North Dakota § 23-28-03 - Duty of law enforcement officer

Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 23-28-03 — Duty of law enforcement officer, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 23-28-03. Duty of law enforcement officer

1. A law enforcement officer shall make a diligent effort to determine whether any disabled person the officer finds is an epileptic or a diabetic, or suffers from some other type of illness that would cause the condition. Whenever feasible, this effort must be made before the person is charged with a crime or taken to a place of detention. 2. In seeking to determine whether a disabled person suffers from an illness, a law enforcement officer shall make a reasonable search for an identifying device and an identification card of the type described in subsection 2 of section 23-28-02 and examine them for emergency information. The law enforcement officer may not search for an identifying device or an identification card in a manner or to an extent that would appear to a reasonable person in the circumstances to cause an unreasonable risk of worsening the disabled person's condition. 3. A law enforcement officer who finds a disabled person without an identifying device or identification card is not relieved of the officer's duty to that person to make a diligent effort to ascertain the existence of any illness causing the disabled condition. 4. A claim for relief against a law enforcement officer does not arise from the officer making a reasonable search of the disabled person to locate an identifying device or identification card, even though the person is not wearing an identifying device or carrying an identification card. 5. A law enforcement officer who determines or has reason to believe that a disabled person is suffering from an illness causing the disabled person's condition shall promptly notify the person's physician, if practicable. If the officer is unable to ascertain the physician's identity or to communicate with the physician, the officer shall make a reasonable effort to cause the disabled person to be transported immediately to a medical practitioner or to a facility where medical treatment is available. If the officer believes it unduly dangerous to move the disabled person, the officer shall make a reasonable effort to obtain the assistance of a medical practitioner.

Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 23-28-03

What does North Dakota Century Code § 23-28-03 cover?

Section 23-28-03 ("Duty of law enforcement officer") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. 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 North Dakota § 23-28-03?

A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 23-28-03" (North Dakota). 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 North Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.

How does North Dakota § 23-28-03 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota 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 North Dakota.