Colorado § 16-3-202 - Assisting peace officer - arrest - furnishing information - immunity.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-202 — Assisting peace officer - arrest - furnishing information - immunity., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-3-202. Assisting peace officer - arrest - furnishing information - immunity.
(1) A peace officer making an arrest may command the assistance of any person who is in the vicinity.
(2) A person commanded to assist a peace officer has the same authority to arrest as the officer who commands his assistance.
(3) A person commanded to assist a peace officer in making an arrest shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any reasonable conduct in aid of the officer or for any acts expressly directed by the officer.
(4) Private citizens, acting in good faith, shall be immune from any civil liability for reporting to any police officer or law enforcement authority the commission or suspected commission of any crime or for giving other information to aid in the prevention of any crime.
Source: L. 72: R&RE, p. 200, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 39-3-202. L. 77: (4) added, p. 851, § 1, effective July 1.
Cross references: For refusing to aid a peace officer, see § 18-8-107; for authority of sheriffs to command aid, see § 30-10-516.
ANNOTATION
Aid of citizen does not make him agent of state in state action cases. The mere existence of the common-law right of a private citizen to aid in an arrest is not such significant state involvement as to make him an agent of the state, for in state action cases it has been required that the state enforce or require adherence to some unconstitutional private act and the mere fact that the state common law or custom permits the act is not sufficient to support a finding of state action under the federal civil rights act. Warren v. Cummings, 303 F. Supp. 803 (D. Colo. 1969) (decided under repealed § 39-2-20, C.R.S. 1963).
This section grants immunity for citizens who report crimes to law enforcement in good faith. It necessarily follows that persons who report a crime in bad faith do not have immunity for their actions. Wolf v. Brenneman, 2024 COA 71, 557 P.3d 798.
Applied in People v. Lott, 197 Colo. 78, 589 P.2d 945 (1979).
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 16-3-202
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-202 cover?
Section 16-3-202 ("Assisting peace officer - arrest - furnishing information - immunity.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 16-3-202?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 16-3-202" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 16-3-202 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.