Texas § UT.186.021 - EMERGENCY INVOLVING HOSTAGE OR ARMED SUSPECT
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § UT.186.021 — EMERGENCY INVOLVING HOSTAGE OR ARMED SUSPECT, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ UT.186.021. EMERGENCY INVOLVING HOSTAGE OR ARMED SUSPECT
EMERGENCY INVOLVING HOSTAGE OR ARMED SUSPECT. (a) In an emergency in which the supervising law enforcement official having jurisdiction in the geographical area has probable cause to believe that an armed and barricaded suspect or a person holding a hostage is committing a crime, the supervising law enforcement official may order a designated telephone company security official to cut or otherwise control telephone lines to prevent telephone communication by the armed suspect or the hostage holder with a person other than a peace officer or person authorized by a peace officer. (b) The serving telephone company in the geographical area of a law enforcement unit shall designate a telephone company security official and an alternate to provide all required assistance to law enforcement officials to carry out this section. (c) Good faith reliance on an order given by a supervising law enforcement official under this section is a complete defense to a civil or criminal action brought against a telephone company or the company's director, officer, agent, or employee as a result of compliance with the order. Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 166, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. SUBCHAPTER C. FRAUDULENT OBTAINING OF SERVICE
Source: official Texas text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § UT.186.021
What does The Texas Constitution § UT.186.021 cover?
Section UT.186.021 ("EMERGENCY INVOLVING HOSTAGE OR ARMED SUSPECT") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. 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 Texas § UT.186.021?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § UT.186.021" (Texas). 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 Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § UT.186.021 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas 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 Texas.