CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
TITLE 1. CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
CHAPTER 2. GENERAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Art. 2.01. DUTIES OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. Each district attorney
shall represent the State in all criminal cases in the district
courts of his district and in appeals therefrom, except in cases
where he has been, before his election, employed adversely. When
any criminal proceeding is had before an examining court in his
district or before a judge upon habeas corpus, and he is notified
of the same, and is at the time within his district, he shall
represent the State therein, unless prevented by other official
duties. It shall be the primary duty of all prosecuting
attorneys, including any special prosecutors, not to convict, but
to see that justice is done. They shall not suppress facts or
secrete witnesses capable of establishing the innocence of the
accused.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 801, ch. 291, Sec. 98, eff.
Sept. 1, 1981.
Art. 2.02. DUTIES OF COUNTY ATTORNEYS. The county attorney shall
attend the terms of court in his county below the grade of
district court, and shall represent the State in all criminal
cases under examination or prosecution in said county; and in the
absence of the district attorney he shall represent the State
alone and, when requested, shall aid the district attorney in the
prosecution of any case in behalf of the State in the district
court. He shall represent the State in cases he has prosecuted
which are appealed.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 801, ch. 291, Sec. 99, eff.
Sept. 1, 1981.
Art. 2.021. DUTIES OF ATTORNEY GENERAL. The attorney general
may offer to a county or district attorney the assistance of the
attorney general's office in the prosecution of an offense
described by Article 60.051(g) the victim of which is younger
than 17 years of age at the time the offense is committed. On
request of a county or district attorney, the attorney general
shall assist in the prosecution of an offense described by
Article 60.051(g) the victim of which is younger than 17 years of
age at the time the offense is committed. For purposes of this
article, assistance includes investigative, technical, and
litigation assistance of the attorney general's office.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
593, Sec. 1.02, eff. September 1, 2007.
Art. 2.022. ASSISTANCE OF TEXAS RANGERS. (a) The attorney
representing the state may request the Texas Rangers division of
the Department of Public Safety to provide assistance to a local
law enforcement agency investigating an offense that:
(1) is alleged to have been committed by an elected officer of
the political subdivision served by the local law enforcement
agency; and
(2) on conviction or adjudication, would subject the elected
officer to registration as a sex offender under Chapter 62.
(b) For purposes of this article, "assistance" includes
investigative, technical, and administrative assistance.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
431, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Art. 2.025. SPECIAL DUTY OF DISTRICT OR COUNTY ATTORNEY RELATING
TO CHILD SUPPORT. If a district or county attorney receives
money from a person who is required by a court order to pay child
support through a local registry or the Title IV-D agency and the
money is presented to the attorney as payment for the
court-ordered child support, the attorney shall transfer the
money to the local registry or Title IV-D agency designated as
the place of payment in the child support order.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 40, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1999.
Art. 2.03. NEGLECT OF DUTY. (a) It shall be the duty of the
attorney representing the State to present by information to the
court having jurisdiction, any officer for neglect or failure of
any duty enjoined upon such officer, when such neglect or failure
can be presented by information, whenever it shall come to the
knowledge of said attorney that there has been a neglect or
failure of duty upon the part of said officer; and he shall bring
to the notice of the grand jury any act of violation of law or
neglect or failure of duty upon the part of any officer, when
such violation, neglect or failure is not presented by
information, and whenever the same may come to his knowledge.
(b) It is the duty of the trial court, the attorney representing
the accused, the attorney representing the state and all peace
officers to so conduct themselves as to insure a fair trial for
both the state and the defendant, not impair the presumption of
innocence, and at the same time afford the public the benefits of
a free press.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722. Amended by Acts
1967, 60th Leg., p. 1733, ch. 659, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1967.
Art. 2.04. SHALL DRAW COMPLAINTS. Upon complaint being made
before a district or county attorney that an offense has been
committed in his district or county, he shall reduce the
complaint to writing and cause the same to be signed and sworn to
by the complainant, and it shall be duly attested by said
attorney.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.05. WHEN COMPLAINT IS MADE. If the offense be a
misdemeanor, the attorney shall forthwith prepare an information
based upon such complaint and file the same in the court having
jurisdiction; provided, that in counties having no county
attorney, misdemeanor cases may be tried upon complaint alone,
without an information, provided, however, in counties having one
or more criminal district courts an information must be filed in
each misdemeanor case. If the offense be a felony, he shall
forthwith file the complaint with a magistrate of the county.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.06. MAY ADMINISTER OATHS. For the purpose mentioned in
the two preceding Articles, district and county attorneys are
authorized to administer oaths.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.07. ATTORNEY PRO TEM. (a) Whenever an attorney for the
state is disqualified to act in any case or proceeding, is absent
from the county or district, or is otherwise unable to perform
the duties of his office, or in any instance where there is no
attorney for the state, the judge of the court in which he
represents the state may appoint any competent attorney to
perform the duties of the office during the absence or
disqualification of the attorney for the state.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, if the
appointed attorney is also an attorney for the state, the duties
of the appointed office are additional duties of his present
office, and he is not entitled to additional compensation.
Nothing herein shall prevent a commissioners court of a county
from contracting with another commissioners court to pay expenses
and reimburse compensation paid by a county to an attorney for
the state who is appointed to perform additional duties.
(b-1) An attorney for the state who is not disqualified to act
may request the court to permit him to recuse himself in a case
for good cause and upon approval by the court is disqualified.
(c) If the appointed attorney is not an attorney for the state,
he is qualified to perform the duties of the office for the
period of absence or disqualification of the attorney for the
state on filing an oath with the clerk of the court. He shall
receive compensation in the same amount and manner as an attorney
appointed to represent an indigent person.
(d) In this article, "attorney for the state" means a county
attorney, a district attorney, or a criminal district attorney.
(e) In Subsections (b) and (c) of this article, "attorney for the
state" includes an assistant attorney general.
(f) In Subsection (a) of this article, "competent attorney"
includes an assistant attorney general.
(g) An attorney appointed under Subsection (a) of this article to
perform the duties of the office of an attorney for the state in
a justice or municipal court may be paid a reasonable fee for
performing those duties.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722. Amended by Acts
1967, 60th Leg., p. 1733, ch. 659, Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 28, 1967;
Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 356, ch. 154, Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 1973.
Subsec. (b) amended by and subsec. (b-1) added by Acts 1987, 70th
Leg., ch. 918, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987; Subsecs. (e), (f)
added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 785, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1995; Subsec. (g) added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1545, Sec.
1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Art. 2.08. DISQUALIFIED. District and county attorneys shall not
be of counsel adversely to the State in any case, in any court,
nor shall they, after they cease to be such officers, be of
counsel adversely to the State in any case in which they have
been of counsel for the State.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.09. WHO ARE MAGISTRATES. Each of the following officers
is a magistrate within the meaning of this Code: The justices of
the Supreme Court, the judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals,
the justices of the Courts of Appeals, the judges of the District
Court, the magistrates appointed by the judges of the district
courts of Bexar County, Dallas County, or Tarrant County that
give preference to criminal cases, the criminal law hearing
officers for Harris County appointed under Subchapter L, Chapter
54, Government Code, the criminal law hearing officers for
Cameron County appointed under Subchapter BB, Chapter 54,
Government Code, the magistrates appointed by the judges of the
district courts of Lubbock County, Nolan County, or Webb County,
the magistrates appointed by the judges of the criminal district
courts of Dallas County or Tarrant County, the masters appointed
by the judges of the district courts and the county courts at law
that give preference to criminal cases in Jefferson County, the
magistrates appointed by the judges of the district courts and
the statutory county courts of Brazos County, Nueces County, or
Williamson County, the magistrates appointed by the judges of the
district courts and statutory county courts that give preference
to criminal cases in Travis County, the criminal magistrates
appointed by the Brazoria County Commissioners Court, the county
judges, the judges of the county courts at law, judges of the
county criminal courts, the judges of statutory probate courts,
the associate judges appointed by the judges of the statutory
probate courts under Subchapter G, Chapter 54, Government Code,
the associate judges appointed by the judge of a district court
under Subchapter II, Chapter 54, Government Code, the justices of
the peace, and the mayors and recorders and the judges of the
municipal courts of incorporated cities or towns.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Amended by Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 801, ch. 291, Sec. 100, eff.
Sept. 1, 1981; Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 883, ch. 204, Sec. 1,
eff. Aug. 29, 1983; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 25, Sec. 2, eff.
Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 79, Sec. 1, eff. May 15,
1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 916, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;
Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1068, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 4.01, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 224, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1993,
73rd Leg., ch. 413, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1993, 73rd
Leg., ch. 468, Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 1993; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg.,
ch. 577, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 30, 1993; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch.
586, Sec. 2, eff. June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1503,
Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 979, Sec.
1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1066, Sec. 9,
eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
109, Sec. 2, eff. May 20, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
767, Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
1331, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
1141, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
646, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
964, Sec. 2, eff. June 19, 2009.
Art. 2.10. DUTY OF MAGISTRATES. It is the duty of every
magistrate to preserve the peace within his jurisdiction by the
use of all lawful means; to issue all process intended to aid in
preventing and suppressing crime; to cause the arrest of
offenders by the use of lawful means in order that they may be
brought to punishment.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.11. EXAMINING COURT. When the magistrate sits for the
purpose of inquiring into a criminal accusation against any
person, this is called an examining court.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.12. WHO ARE PEACE OFFICERS. The following are peace
officers:
(1) sheriffs, their deputies, and those reserve deputies who
hold a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701,
Occupations Code;
(2) constables, deputy constables, and those reserve deputy
constables who hold a permanent peace officer license issued
under Chapter 1701, Occupations Code;
(3) marshals or police officers of an incorporated city, town,
or village, and those reserve municipal police officers who hold
a permanent peace officer license issued under Chapter 1701,
Occupations Code;
(4) rangers and officers commissioned by the Public Safety
Commission and the Director of the Department of Public Safety;
(5) investigators of the district attorneys', criminal district
attorneys', and county attorneys' offices;
(6) law enforcement agents of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission;
(7) each member of an arson investigating unit commissioned by a
city, a county, or the state;
(8) officers commissioned under Section 37.081, Education Code,
or Subchapter E, Chapter 51, Education Code;
(9) officers commissioned by the General Services Commission;
(10) law enforcement officers commissioned by the Parks and
Wildlife Commission;
(11) airport police officers commissioned by a city with a
population of more than 1.18 million that operates an airport
that serves commercial air carriers;
(12) airport security personnel commissioned as peace officers
by the governing body of any political subdivision of this state,
other than a city described by Subdivision (11), that operates an
airport that serves commercial air carriers;
(13) municipal park and recreational patrolmen and security
officers;
(14) security officers and investigators commissioned as peace
officers by the comptroller;
(15) officers commissioned by a water control and improvement
district under Section 49.216, Water Code;
(16) officers commissioned by a board of trustees under Chapter
54, Transportation Code;
(17) investigators commissioned by the Texas Medical Board;
(18) officers commissioned by the board of managers of the
Dallas County Hospital District, the Tarrant County Hospital
District, or the Bexar County Hospital District under Section
281.057, Health and Safety Code;
(19) county park rangers commissioned under Subchapter E,
Chapter 351, Local Government Code;
(20) investigators employed by the Texas Racing Commission;
(21) officers commissioned under Chapter 554, Occupations Code;
(22) officers commissioned by the governing body of a
metropolitan rapid transit authority under Section 451.108,
Transportation Code, or by a regional transportation authority
under Section 452.110, Transportation Code;
(23) investigators commissioned by the attorney general under
Section 402.009, Government Code;
(24) security officers and investigators commissioned as peace
officers under Chapter 466, Government Code;
(25) an officer employed by the Department of State Health
Services under Section 431.2471, Health and Safety Code;
(26) officers appointed by an appellate court under Subchapter
F, Chapter 53, Government Code;
(27) officers commissioned by the state fire marshal under
Chapter 417, Government Code;
(28) an investigator commissioned by the commissioner of
insurance under Section 701.104, Insurance Code;
(29) apprehension specialists and inspectors general
commissioned by the Texas Youth Commission as officers under
Sections 61.0451 and 61.0931, Human Resources Code;
(30) officers appointed by the inspector general of the Texas
Department of Criminal Justice under Section 493.019, Government
Code;
(31) investigators commissioned by the Commission on Law
Enforcement Officer Standards and Education under Section
1701.160, Occupations Code;
(32) commission investigators commissioned by the Texas Private
Security Board under Section 1702.061(f), Occupations Code;
(33) the fire marshal and any officers, inspectors, or
investigators commissioned by an emergency services district
under Chapter 775, Health and Safety Code;
(34) officers commissioned by the State Board of Dental
Examiners under Section 254.013, Occupations Code, subject to the
limitations imposed by that section;
(35) investigators commissioned by the Texas Juvenile Probation
Commission as officers under Section 141.055, Human Resources
Code; and
(36) the fire marshal and any related officers, inspectors, or
investigators commissioned by a county under Subchapter B,
Chapter 352, Local Government Code.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722. Amended by Acts
1967, 60th Leg., p. 1734, ch. 659, Sec. 5, eff. Aug. 28, 1967;
Acts 1971, 62nd Leg., p. 1116, ch. 246, Sec. 3, eff. May 17,
1971; Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 9, ch. 7, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 27,
1973; Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 1259, ch. 459, Sec. 1, eff. Aug.
27, 1973; Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 480, ch. 204, Sec. 1, eff.
Sept. 1, 1975; Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 618, ch. 227, Sec. 2,
eff. May 24, 1977; Acts 1977, 65th Leg., p. 1082, ch. 396, Sec.1,
eff. Aug. 29, 1977.
Amended by Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 545, ch. 114, Sec. 1, eff.
May 17, 1983; Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 4358, ch. 699, Sec. 11,
eff. June 19, 1983; Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 4901, ch. 867, Sec.
2, eff. June 19, 1983; Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 5303, ch. 974,
Sec. 11, eff. Aug. 29, 1983; Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 384, Sec.
2, eff. Aug. 26, 1985; Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 907, Sec. 6,
eff. Sept. 1, 1985; Acts 1986, 69th Leg., 2nd C.S., ch. 19, Sec.
4, eff. Dec. 4, 1986; Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 262, Sec. 20,
eff. Sept. 1, 1987; Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 350, Sec. 1, eff.
Aug. 31, 1987; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 277, Sec. 4, eff. June
14, 1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 794, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28,
1989; Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1104, Sec. 4, eff. June 16, 1989;
Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 16, Sec. 4.02, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts
1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 228, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991,
72nd Leg., ch. 287, Sec. 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd
Leg., ch. 386, Sec. 70, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg.,
ch. 446, Sec. 1, eff. June 11, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch.
544, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 545,
Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 597, Sec.
57, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 853, Sec. 2,
eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 6, Sec.
6; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., 1st C.S., ch. 14, Sec. 3.01, eff. Nov.
12, 1991; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 4.07, eff. Aug. 30,
1993; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 116, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993;
Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 339, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts
1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 695, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1993,
73rd Leg., ch. 912, Sec. 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th
Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 10, eff. May 30, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg.,
ch. 621, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch.
729, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 28, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1423,
Sec. 4.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 90, Sec.
1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 322, Sec. 2,
eff. May 29, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 882, Sec. 2, eff.
June 18, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 974, Sec. 37, eff. Sept.
1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 272, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1,
2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 442, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001;
Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 669, Sec. 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts
2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 3.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts
2003, 78th Leg., ch. 235, Sec. 16, eff. Sept. 1, 2003; Acts 2003,
78th Leg., ch. 474, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003; Acts 2003, 78th
Leg., ch. 930, Sec. 12, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Reenacted and amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
728, Sec. 4.001, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch.
908, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1164, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Art. 2.121. RAILROAD PEACE OFFICERS. (a) The director of the
Department of Public Safety may appoint up to 250 railroad peace
officers who are employed by a railroad company to aid law
enforcement agencies in the protection of railroad property and
the protection of the persons and property of railroad passengers
and employees.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) of this article, a
railroad peace officer may make arrests and exercise all
authority given peace officers under this code when necessary to
prevent or abate the commission of an offense involving injury to
passengers and employees of the railroad or damage to railroad
property or to protect railroad property or property in the
custody or control of the railroad.
(c) A railroad peace officer may not issue a traffic citation for
a violation of Chapter 521, Transportation Code, or Subtitle C,
Title 7, Transportation Code.
(d) A railroad peace officer is not entitled to state benefits
normally provided by the state to a peace officer.
(e) A person may not serve as a railroad peace officer for a
railroad company unless:
(1) the Texas Railroad Association submits the person's
application for appointment and certification as a railroad peace
officer to the director of the Department of Public Safety and to
the executive director of the Commission on Law Enforcement
Officer Standards and Education;
(2) the director of the department issues the person a
certificate of authority to act as a railroad peace officer; and
(3) the executive director of the commission determines that the
person meets minimum standards required of peace officers by the
commission relating to competence, reliability, education,
training, morality, and physical and mental health and issues the
person a license as a railroad peace officer; and
(4) the person has met all standards for certification as a peace
officer by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards
and Education.
(f) For good cause, the director of the department may revoke a
certificate of authority issued under this article and the
executive director of the commission may revoke a license issued
under this article. Termination of employment with a railroad
company, or the revocation of a railroad peace officer license,
shall constitute an automatic revocation of a certificate of
authority to act as a railroad peace officer.
(g) A railroad company is liable for any act or omission by a
person serving as a railroad peace officer for the company that
is within the person's scope of employment. Neither the state nor
any political subdivision or agency of the state shall be liable
for any act or omission by a person appointed as a railroad peace
officer. All expenses incurred by the granting or revocation of a
certificate of authority to act as a railroad peace officer shall
be paid by the employing railroad company.
(h) A railroad peace officer who is a member of a railroad craft
may not perform the duties of a member of any other railroad
craft during a strike or labor dispute.
(i) The director of the department and the executive director of
the commission shall have the authority to promulgate rules
necessary for the effective administration and performance of the
duties and responsibilities delegated to them by this article.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 531, Sec. 1, eff. June 12,
1985. Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec.
3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Art. 2.122. SPECIAL INVESTIGATORS. (a) The following named
criminal investigators of the United States shall not be deemed
peace officers, but shall have the powers of arrest, search and
seizure as to felony offenses only under the laws of the State of
Texas:
(1) Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
(2) Special Agents of the Secret Service;
(3) Special Agents of the United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement;
(4) Special Agents of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms;
(5) Special Agents of Federal Drug Enforcement Agency;
(6) Inspectors of the United States Postal Service;
(7) Special Agents of the Criminal Investigation Division and
Inspectors of the Internal Security Division of the Internal
Revenue Service;
(8) Civilian Special Agents of the United States Naval
Investigative Service;
(9) Marshals and Deputy Marshals of the United States Marshals
Service;
(10) Special Agents of the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services; and
(11) Special Agents of the United States Department of State,
Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
(b) A person designated as a special policeman by the Federal
Protective Services division of the General Services
Administration under 40 U.S.C. Section 318 or 318d is not a peace
officer but has the powers of arrest and search and seizure as to
any offense under the laws of this state.
(c) A Customs and Border Protection Officer of the United States
Customs and Border Protection or a Border Patrol agent,
immigration enforcement agent, or deportation officer of the
Department of Homeland Security is not a peace officer under the
laws of this state but, on the premises of a port facility
designated by the commissioner of the United States Customs and
Border Protection as a port of entry for arrival in the United
States by land transportation from the United Mexican States into
the State of Texas or at a permanent established border patrol
traffic check point, has the authority to detain a person pending
transfer without unnecessary delay to a peace officer if the
agent or officer has probable cause to believe that the person
has engaged in conduct that is a violation of Section 49.02,
49.04, 49.07, or 49.08, Penal Code, regardless of whether the
violation may be disposed of in a criminal proceeding or a
juvenile justice proceeding.
(d) A commissioned law enforcement officer of the National Park
Service is not a peace officer under the laws of this state,
except that the officer has the powers of arrest, search, and
seizure as to any offense under the laws of this state committed
within the boundaries of a national park or national recreation
area. In this subsection, "national park or national recreation
area" means a national park or national recreation area included
in the National Park System as defined by 16 U.S.C. Section
1c(a).
(e) A Special Agent or Law Enforcement Officer of the United
States Forest Service is not a peace officer under the laws of
this state, except that the agent or officer has the powers of
arrest, search, and seizure as to any offense under the laws of
this state committed within the National Forest System. In this
subsection, "National Forest System" has the meaning assigned by
16 U.S.C. Section 1609.
(f) Security personnel working at a commercial nuclear power
plant, including contract security personnel, trained and
qualified under a security plan approved by the United States
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, are not peace officers under the
laws of this state, except that such personnel have the powers of
arrest, search, and seizure, including the powers under Section
9.51, Penal Code, while in the performance of their duties on the
premises of a commercial nuclear power plant site or under
agreements entered into with local law enforcement regarding
areas surrounding the plant site.
(g) In addition to the powers of arrest, search, and seizure
under Subsection (a), a Special Agent of the Secret Service
protecting a person described by 18 U.S.C. Section 3056(a) or
investigating a threat against a person described by 18 U.S.C.
Section 3056(a) has the powers of arrest, search, and seizure as
to:
(1) misdemeanor offenses under the laws of this state; and
(2) any criminal offense under federal law.
Added by Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 543, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1985. Renumbered from art. 2.121 and amended by Acts 1987, 70th
Leg., ch. 503, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987; Acts 1987, 70th Leg.,
ch. 854, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31, 1987. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st
Leg., ch. 841, Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg.,
ch. 927, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 1993; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts
1997, 75th Leg., ch. 717, Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 1997; Subsec. (c)
added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 290, Sec. 1, eff. May 26,
1997; Subsec. (a) amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 197, Sec.
1, eff. May 24, 1999; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 1999, 76th
Leg., ch. 863, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999; Subsec. (d) added by
Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 197, Sec. 1, eff. May 24, 1999; added
by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 628, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999;
Subsec. (e) relettered from subsec. (d) by Acts 2001, 77th Leg.,
ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(7), eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Subsec. (f) added
by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1237, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
1337, Sec. 5, eff. June 18, 2005.
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
732, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009.
Art. 2.123. ADJUNCT POLICE OFFICERS. (a) Within counties under
200,000 population, the chief of police of a municipality or the
sheriff of the county, if the institution is outside the
corporate limits of a municipality, that has jurisdiction over
the geographical area of a private institution of higher
education, provided the governing board of such institution
consents, may appoint up to 50 peace officers who are
commissioned under Section 51.212, Education Code, and who are
employed by a private institution of higher education located in
the municipality or county, to serve as adjunct police officers
of the municipality or county. Officers appointed under this
article shall aid law enforcement agencies in the protection of
the municipality or county in a geographical area that is
designated by agreement on an annual basis between the appointing
chief of police or sheriff and the private institution.
(b) The geographical area that is subject to designation under
Subsection (a) of this article may include only the private
institution's campus area and an area that:
(1) is adjacent to the campus of the private institution;
(2) does not extend further than a distance of one mile from the
perimeter of the campus of the private institution; and
(3) is inhabited primarily by students or employees of the
private institution.
(c) A peace officer serving as an adjunct police officer may make
arrests and exercise all authority given peace officers under
this code only within the geographical area designated by
agreement between the appointing chief of police or sheriff and
the private institution.
(d) A peace officer serving as an adjunct police officer has all
the rights, privileges, and immunities of a peace officer but is
not entitled to state compensation and retirement benefits
normally provided by the state to a peace officer.
(e) A person may not serve as an adjunct police officer for a
municipality or county unless:
(1) the institution of higher education submits the person's
application for appointment and certification as an adjunct
police officer to the chief of police of the municipality or, if
outside a municipality, the sheriff of the county that has
jurisdiction over the geographical area of the institution;
(2) the chief of police of the municipality or sheriff of the
county to whom the application was made issues the person a
certificate of authority to act as an adjunct police officer; and
(3) the person undergoes any additional training required for
that person to meet the training standards of the municipality or
county for peace officers employed by the municipality or county.
(f) For good cause, the chief of police or sheriff may revoke a
certificate of authority issued under this article.
(g) A private institution of higher education is liable for any
act or omission by a person while serving as an adjunct police
officer outside of the campus of the institution in the same
manner as the municipality or county governing that geographical
area is liable for any act or omission of a peace officer
employed by the municipality or county. This subsection shall not
be construed to act as a limitation on the liability of a
municipality or county for the acts or omissions of a person
serving as an adjunct police officer.
(h) The employing institution shall pay all expenses incurred by
the municipality or county in granting or revoking a certificate
of authority to act as an adjunct police officer under this
article.
(i) This article does not affect any duty of the municipality or
county to provide law enforcement services to a geographical area
designated under Subsection (a) of this article.
Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 1128, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 31,
1987.
Art. 2.124. PEACE OFFICERS FROM ADJOINING STATES. (a) A
commissioned peace officer of a state of the United States of
America adjoining this state, while the officer is in this state,
has under this subsection the same powers, duties, and immunities
as a peace officer of this state who is acting in the discharge
of an official duty, but only:
(1) during a time in which:
(A) the peace officer from the adjoining state has physical
custody of an inmate or criminal defendant and is transporting
the inmate or defendant from a county in the adjoining state that
is on the border between the two states to a hospital or other
medical facility in a county in this state that is on the border
between the two states; or
(B) the peace officer has physical custody of the inmate or
defendant and is returning the inmate or defendant from the
hospital or facility to the county in the adjoining state; and
(2) to the extent necessary to:
(A) maintain physical custody of the inmate or defendant while
transporting the inmate or defendant; or
(B) regain physical custody of the inmate or defendant if the
inmate or defendant escapes while being transported.
(b) A commissioned peace officer of a state of the United States
of America adjoining this state, while the officer is in this
state, has under this subsection the same powers, duties, and
immunities as a peace officer of this state who is acting in the
discharge of an official duty, but only in a municipality some
part of the municipal limits of which are within one mile of the
boundary between this state and the adjoining state and only at a
time the peace officer is regularly assigned to duty in a county,
parish, or municipality that adjoins this state. A peace officer
described by this subsection may also as part of the officer's
powers in this state enforce the ordinances of a Texas
municipality described by this subsection but only after the
governing body of the municipality authorizes that enforcement by
majority vote at an open meeting.
Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 156, Sec. 1, eff. May 19,
1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 107, Sec. 1, eff.
Sept. 1, 1999.
Art. 2.125. SPECIAL RANGERS OF TEXAS AND SOUTHWESTERN CATTLE
RAISERS ASSOCIATION. (a) The director of the Department of
Public Safety may appoint up to 50 special rangers who are
employed by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
to aid law enforcement agencies in the investigation of the theft
of livestock or related property.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) of this article, a
special ranger may make arrests and exercise all authority given
peace officers under this code when necessary to prevent or abate
the commission of an offense involving livestock or related
property.
(c) A special ranger may not issue a traffic citation for a
violation of Chapter 521, Transportation Code, or Subtitle C,
Title 7, Transportation Code.
(d) A special ranger is not entitled to state benefits normally
provided by the state to a peace officer.
(e) A person may not serve as a special ranger unless:
(1) the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
submits the person's application for appointment and
certification as a special ranger to the director of the
Department of Public Safety and to the executive director of the
Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education;
(2) the director of the department issues the person a
certificate of authority to act as a special ranger;
(3) the executive director of the commission determines that the
person meets minimum standards required of peace officers by the
commission relating to competence, reliability, education,
training, morality, and physical and mental health and issues the
person a license as a special ranger; and
(4) the person has met all standards for certification as a
peace officer by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer
Standards and Education.
(f) For good cause, the director of the department may revoke a
certificate of authority issued under this article and the
executive director of the commission may revoke a license issued
under this article. Termination of employment with the
association, or the revocation of a special ranger license, shall
constitute an automatic revocation of a certificate of authority
to act as a special ranger.
(g) The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is
liable for any act or omission by a person serving as a special
ranger for the association that is within the person's scope of
employment. Neither the state nor any political subdivision or
agency of the state shall be liable for any act or omission by a
person appointed as a special ranger. All expenses incurred by
the granting or revocation of a certificate of authority to act
as a special ranger shall be paid by the association.
(h) The director of the department and the executive director of
the commission shall have the authority to promulgate rules
necessary for the effective administration and performance of the
duties and responsibilities delegated to them by this article.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch.
209, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Art. 2.13. DUTIES AND POWERS. (a) It is the duty of every peace
officer to preserve the peace within the officer's jurisdiction.
To effect this purpose, the officer shall use all lawful means.
(b) The officer shall:
(1) in every case authorized by the provisions of this Code,
interfere without warrant to prevent or suppress crime;
(2) execute all lawful process issued to the officer by any
magistrate or court;
(3) give notice to some magistrate of all offenses committed
within the officer's jurisdiction, where the officer has good
reason to believe there has been a violation of the penal law;
and
(4) arrest offenders without warrant in every case where the
officer is authorized by law, in order that they may be taken
before the proper magistrate or court and be tried.
(c) It is the duty of every officer to take possession of a child
under Article 63.009(g).
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 685, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1999; Subsec. (c) amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec.
5.0005, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Art. 2.131. RACIAL PROFILING PROHIBITED. A peace officer may not
engage in racial profiling.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Art. 2.132. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY ON RACIAL PROFILING. (a) In
this article:
(1) "Law enforcement agency" means an agency of the state, or of
a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the
state, that employs peace officers who make motor vehicle stops
in the routine performance of the officers' official duties.
(2) "Motor vehicle stop" means an occasion in which a peace
officer stops a motor vehicle for an alleged violation of a law
or ordinance.
(3) "Race or ethnicity" means of a particular descent, including
Caucasian, African, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or Middle
Eastern descent.
(b) Each law enforcement agency in this state shall adopt a
detailed written policy on racial profiling. The policy must:
(1) clearly define acts constituting racial profiling;
(2) strictly prohibit peace officers employed by the agency from
engaging in racial profiling;
(3) implement a process by which an individual may file a
complaint with the agency if the individual believes that a peace
officer employed by the agency has engaged in racial profiling
with respect to the individual;
(4) provide public education relating to the agency's complaint
process;
(5) require appropriate corrective action to be taken against a
peace officer employed by the agency who, after an investigation,
is shown to have engaged in racial profiling in violation of the
agency's policy adopted under this article;
(6) require collection of information relating to motor vehicle
stops in which a citation is issued and to arrests made as a
result of those stops, including information relating to:
(A) the race or ethnicity of the individual detained;
(B) whether a search was conducted and, if so, whether the
individual detained consented to the search; and
(C) whether the peace officer knew the race or ethnicity of the
individual detained before detaining that individual; and
(7) require the chief administrator of the agency, regardless of
whether the administrator is elected, employed, or appointed, to
submit an annual report of the information collected under
Subdivision (6) to:
(A) the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education; and
(B) the governing body of each county or municipality served by
the agency, if the agency is an agency of a county, municipality,
or other political subdivision of the state.
(c) The data collected as a result of the reporting requirements
of this article shall not constitute prima facie evidence of
racial profiling.
(d) On adoption of a policy under Subsection (b), a law
enforcement agency shall examine the feasibility of installing
video camera and transmitter-activated equipment in each agency
law enforcement motor vehicle regularly used to make motor
vehicle stops and transmitter-activated equipment in each agency
law enforcement motorcycle regularly used to make motor vehicle
stops. If a law enforcement agency installs video or audio
equipment as provided by this subsection, the policy adopted by
the agency under Subsection (b) must include standards for
reviewing video and audio documentation.
(e) A report required under Subsection (b)(7) may not include
identifying information about a peace officer who makes a motor
vehicle stop or about an individual who is stopped or arrested by
a peace officer. This subsection does not affect the collection
of information as required by a policy under Subsection (b)(6).
(f) On the commencement of an investigation by a law enforcement
agency of a complaint described by Subsection (b)(3) in which a
video or audio recording of the occurrence on which the complaint
is based was made, the agency shall promptly provide a copy of
the recording to the peace officer who is the subject of the
complaint on written request by the officer.
(g) On a finding by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer
Standards and Education that the chief administrator of a law
enforcement agency intentionally failed to submit a report
required under Subsection (b)(7), the commission shall begin
disciplinary procedures against the chief administrator.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1172, Sec. 25, eff. September 1, 2009.
Art. 2.133. REPORTS REQUIRED FOR MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS. (a) In
this article, "race or ethnicity" has the meaning assigned by
Article 2.132(a).
(b) A peace officer who stops a motor vehicle for an alleged
violation of a law or ordinance shall report to the law
enforcement agency that employs the officer information relating
to the stop, including:
(1) a physical description of any person operating the motor
vehicle who is detained as a result of the stop, including:
(A) the person's gender; and
(B) the person's race or ethnicity, as stated by the person or,
if the person does not state the person's race or ethnicity, as
determined by the officer to the best of the officer's ability;
(2) the initial reason for the stop;
(3) whether the officer conducted a search as a result of the
stop and, if so, whether the person detained consented to the
search;
(4) whether any contraband or other evidence was discovered in
the course of the search and a description of the contraband or
evidence;
(5) the reason for the search, including whether:
(A) any contraband or other evidence was in plain view;
(B) any probable cause or reasonable suspicion existed to
perform the search; or
(C) the search was performed as a result of the towing of the
motor vehicle or the arrest of any person in the motor vehicle;
(6) whether the officer made an arrest as a result of the stop
or the search, including a statement of whether the arrest was
based on a violation of the Penal Code, a violation of a traffic
law or ordinance, or an outstanding warrant and a statement of
the offense charged;
(7) the street address or approximate location of the stop; and
(8) whether the officer issued a written warning or a citation
as a result of the stop.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1172, Sec. 26, eff. September 1, 2009.
Art. 2.134. COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION COLLECTED.
(a) In this article:
(1) "Motor vehicle stop" has the meaning assigned by Article
2.132(a).
(2) "Race or ethnicity" has the meaning assigned by Article
2.132(a).
(b) A law enforcement agency shall compile and analyze the
information contained in each report received by the agency under
Article 2.133. Not later than March 1 of each year, each law
enforcement agency shall submit a report containing the
incident-based data compiled during the previous calendar year to
the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education
and, if the law enforcement agency is a local law enforcement
agency, to the governing body of each county or municipality
served by the agency.
(c) A report required under Subsection (b) must be submitted by
the chief administrator of the law enforcement agency, regardless
of whether the administrator is elected, employed, or appointed,
and must include:
(1) a comparative analysis of the information compiled under
Article 2.133 to:
(A) evaluate and compare the number of motor vehicle stops,
within the applicable jurisdiction, of persons who are recognized
as racial or ethnic minorities and persons who are not recognized
as racial or ethnic minorities; and
(B) examine the disposition of motor vehicle stops made by
officers employed by the agency, categorized according to the
race or ethnicity of the affected persons, as appropriate,
including any searches resulting from stops within the applicable
jurisdiction; and
(2) information relating to each complaint filed with the agency
alleging that a peace officer employed by the agency has engaged
in racial profiling.
(d) A report required under Subsection (b) may not include
identifying information about a peace officer who makes a motor
vehicle stop or about an individual who is stopped or arrested by
a peace officer. This subsection does not affect the reporting
of information required under Article 2.133(b)(1).
(e) The Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education, in accordance with Section 1701.162, Occupations Code,
shall develop guidelines for compiling and reporting information
as required by this article.
(f) The data collected as a result of the reporting requirements
of this article shall not constitute prima facie evidence of
racial profiling.
(g) On a finding by the Commission on Law Enforcement Officer
Standards and Education that the chief administrator of a law
enforcement agency intentionally failed to submit a report
required under Subsection (b), the commission shall begin
disciplinary procedures against the chief administrator.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1172, Sec. 27, eff. September 1, 2009.
Art. 2.135. PARTIAL EXEMPTION FOR AGENCIES USING VIDEO AND AUDIO
EQUIPMENT. (a) A peace officer is exempt from the reporting
requirement under Article 2.133 and the chief administrator of a
law enforcement agency, regardless of whether the administrator
is elected, employed, or appointed, is exempt from the
compilation, analysis, and reporting requirements under Article
2.134 if:
(1) during the calendar year preceding the date that a report
under Article 2.134 is required to be submitted:
(A) each law enforcement motor vehicle regularly used by an
officer employed by the agency to make motor vehicle stops is
equipped with video camera and transmitter-activated equipment
and each law enforcement motorcycle regularly used to make motor
vehicle stops is equipped with transmitter-activated equipment;
and
(B) each motor vehicle stop made by an officer employed by the
agency that is capable of being recorded by video and audio or
audio equipment, as appropriate, is recorded by using the
equipment; or
(2) the governing body of the county or municipality served by
the law enforcement agency, in conjunction with the law
enforcement agency, certifies to the Department of Public Safety,
not later than the date specified by rule by the department, that
the law enforcement agency needs funds or video and audio
equipment for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment
as described by Subsection (a)(1)(A) and the agency does not
receive from the state funds or video and audio equipment
sufficient, as determined by the department, for the agency to
accomplish that purpose.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, a law
enforcement agency that is exempt from the requirements under
Article 2.134 shall retain the video and audio or audio
documentation of each motor vehicle stop for at least 90 days
after the date of the stop. If a complaint is filed with the law
enforcement agency alleging that a peace officer employed by the
agency has engaged in racial profiling with respect to a motor
vehicle stop, the agency shall retain the video and audio or
audio record of the stop until final disposition of the
complaint.
(c) This article does not affect the collection or reporting
requirements under Article 2.132.
(d) In this article, "motor vehicle stop" has the meaning
assigned by Article 2.132(a).
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1172, Sec. 28, eff. September 1, 2009.
Art. 2.136. LIABILITY. A peace officer is not liable for damages
arising from an act relating to the collection or reporting of
information as required by Article 2.133 or under a policy
adopted under Article 2.132.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Art. 2.137. PROVISION OF FUNDING OR EQUIPMENT. (a) The
Department of Public Safety shall adopt rules for providing funds
or video and audio equipment to law enforcement agencies for the
purpose of installing video and audio equipment as described by
Article 2.135(a)(1)(A), including specifying criteria to
prioritize funding or equipment provided to law enforcement
agencies. The criteria may include consideration of tax effort,
financial hardship, available revenue, and budget surpluses. The
criteria must give priority to:
(1) law enforcement agencies that employ peace officers whose
primary duty is traffic enforcement;
(2) smaller jurisdictions; and
(3) municipal and county law enforcement agencies.
(b) The Department of Public Safety shall collaborate with an
institution of higher education to identify law enforcement
agencies that need funds or video and audio equipment for the
purpose of installing video and audio equipment as described by
Article 2.135(a)(1)(A). The collaboration may include the use of
a survey to assist in developing criteria to prioritize funding
or equipment provided to law enforcement agencies.
(c) To receive funds or video and audio equipment from the state
for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment as
described by Article 2.135(a)(1)(A), the governing body of a
county or municipality, in conjunction with the law enforcement
agency serving the county or municipality, shall certify to the
Department of Public Safety that the law enforcement agency needs
funds or video and audio equipment for that purpose.
(d) On receipt of funds or video and audio equipment from the
state for the purpose of installing video and audio equipment as
described by Article 2.135(a)(1)(A), the governing body of a
county or municipality, in conjunction with the law enforcement
agency serving the county or municipality, shall certify to the
Department of Public Safety that the law enforcement agency has
installed video and audio equipment as described by Article
2.135(a)(1)(A) and is using the equipment as required by Article
2.135(a)(1).
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Art. 2.138. RULES. The Department of Public Safety may adopt
rules to implement Articles 2.131-2.137.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 947, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1,
2001.
Art. 2.1385. CIVIL PENALTY. (a) If the chief administrator of
a local law enforcement agency intentionally fails to submit the
incident-based data as required by Article 2.134, the agency is
liable to the state for a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000
for each violation. The attorney general may sue to collect a
civil penalty under this subsection.
(b) From money appropriated to the agency for the administration
of the agency, the executive director of a state law enforcement
agency that intentionally fails to submit the incident-based data
as required by Article 2.134 shall remit to the comptroller the
amount of $1,000 for each violation.
(c) Money collected under this article shall be deposited in the
state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
1172, Sec. 29, eff. September 1, 2009.
Art. 2.14. MAY SUMMON AID. Whenever a peace officer meets with
resistance in discharging any duty imposed upon him by law, he
shall summon a sufficient number of citizens of his county to
overcome the resistance; and all persons summoned are bound to
obey.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.15. PERSON REFUSING TO AID. The peace officer who has
summoned any person to assist him in performing any duty shall
report such person, if he refuse to obey, to the proper district
or county attorney, in order that he may be prosecuted for the
offense.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.16. NEGLECTING TO EXECUTE PROCESS. If any sheriff or
other officer shall wilfully refuse or fail from neglect to
execute any summons, subpoena or attachment for a witness, or any
other legal process which it is made his duty by law to execute,
he shall be liable to a fine for contempt not less than ten nor
more than two hundred dollars, at the discretion of the court.
The payment of such fine shall be enforced in the same manner as
fines for contempt in civil cases.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.17. CONSERVATOR OF THE PEACE. Each sheriff shall be a
conservator of the peace in his county, and shall arrest all
offenders against the laws of the State, in his view or hearing,
and take them before the proper court for examination or trial.
He shall quell and suppress all assaults and batteries, affrays,
insurrections and unlawful assemblies. He shall apprehend and
commit to jail all offenders, until an examination or trial can
be had.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.18. CUSTODY OF PRISONERS. When a prisoner is committed to
jail by warrant from a magistrate or court, he shall be placed in
jail by the sheriff. It is a violation of duty on the part of any
sheriff to permit a defendant so committed to remain out of jail,
except that he may, when a defendant is committed for want of
bail, or when he arrests in a bailable case, give the person
arrested a reasonable time to procure bail; but he shall so guard
the accused as to prevent escape.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.19. REPORT AS TO PRISONERS. On the first day of each
month, the sheriff shall give notice, in writing, to the district
or county attorney, where there be one, as to all prisoners in
his custody, naming them, and of the authority under which he
detains them.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.195. DUTY TO REPORT WARRANT OR CAPIAS INFORMATION.
Within 30 days of the day the court clerk issues the warrant, the
sheriff shall report to the national crime information center
each warrant or capias issued for a defendant charged with an
offense other than a Class C misdemeanor who fails to appear in
court when summoned.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch.
578, Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
Art. 2.20. DEPUTY. Wherever a duty is imposed by this Code upon
the sheriff, the same duty may lawfully be performed by his
deputy. When there is no sheriff in a county, the duties of that
office, as to all proceedings under the criminal law, devolve
upon the officer who, under the law, is empowered to discharge
the duties of sheriff, in case of vacancy in the office.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Art. 2.21. DUTY OF CLERKS. (a) In a criminal proceeding, a
clerk of the district or county court shall:
(1) receive and file all papers;
(2) receive all exhibits at the conclusion of the proceeding;
(3) issue all process;
(4) accept and file electronic documents received from the
defendant, if the clerk accepts electronic documents from an
attorney representing the state;
(5) accept and file digital multimedia evidence received from
the defendant, if the clerk accepts digital multimedia evidence
from an attorney representing the state; and
(6) perform all other duties imposed on the clerk by law.
(b) At any time during or after a criminal proceeding, the court
reporter shall release for safekeeping any firearm or contraband
received as an exhibit in that proceeding to:
(1) the sheriff; or
(2) in a county with a population of 500,000 or more, the law
enforcement agency that collected, seized, or took possession of
the firearm or contraband or produced the firearm or contraband
at the proceeding.
(c) The sheriff or the law enforcement agency, as applicable,
shall receive and hold the exhibits consisting of firearms or
contraband and release them only to the person or persons
authorized by the court in which such exhibits h