What immunity does a person have when assisting law enforcement officers?

When a person assists law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, they are granted immunity that is equal to that of law enforcement officers, provided that their actions are taken in good faith. This concept of good faith is crucial; it recognizes that individuals who step in to help law enforcement are often acting out of a sense of civic duty or concern for public safety. This immunity protects them from certain legal liabilities that could arise from their actions while assisting.

The rationale behind granting this immunity is to encourage cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies. It ensures that individuals are not deterred from helping officers for fear of legal repercussions, provided their assistance is genuine and aimed at supporting law enforcement operations.

Immunity only applies in context where the individual was acting with good faith and within the bounds of the law. This means they intended to help and did not engage in any misconduct during their assistance. This protection does not extend to cases where the person's conduct may have been reckless or intentionally harmful.