40:48-1.3 - Holding DUI arrestees in protective custody, certain circumstances - New Jersey Statutes

40:48-1.3  Holding DUI arrestees in protective custody, certain circumstances.

1. a. A municipality may enact an ordinance providing that a person who is arrested for a violation of the provisions of R.S.39:4-50 shall be held in protective custody at an appropriate police or other facility where the person's condition may be monitored until the person is no longer a danger to himself or others.  The municipal ordinance shall provide for the release of the person from protective custody when that person is no longer a danger to himself or others. The municipal ordinance may provide that a person is no longer a danger to himself or others when the person's blood alcohol concentration is less than 0.05% and the person is no longer under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or narcotic or hallucinogenic or habit-forming drug to the extent that the person's facilities are impaired. In no event shall a municipality hold a person in protective custody for a period of longer than eight hours without providing an appropriate hearing.

b.Notwithstanding the provisions of any ordinance enacted pursuant to subsection a. of this section, provided that it is not a detriment to the public safety, the arresting  law enforcement agency may, because of the age, health or safety of the arrested person, release the person pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2001, c.69 (C.39:4-50.22 et seq.) or provide an appropriate alternative to protective custody.  The municipality shall not be subject to liability if a person is released from custody pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.

c.Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the use of State Police facilities by a municipality for the purposes of this act.

L.2003,c.164,s.1.