When an officer responds to an activity where public drunkenness is present, s/he must first determine if a criminal act is involved. If a crime is involved, the criminal process takes precedent. If no crime is involved, the officer must determine if the person is endangered to themselves or others. The officer will use Minnesota Statute 253B, and execute the following steps:
- Take the person into custody.
- Run the subjects name for warrants.
- While the law permits the officer to take an individual home or to a hospital or detoxification center -- in any event, notify the dispatcher when you are en route and upon arrival to the destination.
- An intake report is to be submitted covering the circumstances of the taking into custody and disposition. Leave intake report with attendant at the Ramsey County Detoxification Center.
If the person taken into custody requires medical treatment for cuts, bruises or abrasions, the officer or paramedics should take the party to a local hospital for medical assistance.
On occasion, the detoxification center may be full. In order to eliminate unnecessary trips, the Ramsey County Emergency Communication Center will, upon notification by the squad, verify available space.
Revised July 1, 2011