NCJ Number
106114
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet guides police officers in the implementation of the Federal law of diplomatic immunity by outlining the types of diplomatic officials, levels of immunity, consular immunity, the establishing of diplomatic identity, and the handling of incidents involving diplomatic agents.
Abstract
The granting of immunity to diplomatic agents throughout the world protects them from unfounded or inappropriate law enforcement actions by host countries and protects host countries from charges of harassment or purposeful interference with foreign envoys on official missions. Various immunity levels apply to various types of diplomatic officials. Levels of immunity are full immunity, limited criminal immunity, and no diplomatic immunity. Career consular officers are accorded criminal immunity analogous to that of diplomats in that they cannot be arrested or detained pending trial. International law provides, however, that, unlike diplomatic agents, consular officers can be arrested for a grave crime, particularly a felony offense that endangers the public. Procedures for establishing diplomatic identity include a request for an official identification card, the notation of a diplomatic license plate, and vehicle registration card. Steps in handling incidents involving diplomatic agents are detailed. A chart displays law enforcement options for various categories of diplomatic personnel. Questions and answers on the material and 1 suggested reading.