Washington § 13.34.055 - Custody by law enforcement officer — Release from liability.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.055 — Custody by law enforcement officer — Release from liability., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13.34.055. Custody by law enforcement officer — Release from liability.

(1) A law enforcement officer shall take into custody a child taken in violation of RCW 9A.40.060 or 9A.40.070. The law enforcement officer shall make every reasonable effort to avoid placing additional trauma on the child by obtaining such custody at times and in a manner least disruptive to the child. The law enforcement officer shall return the child to the person or agency having the right to physical custody unless the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the child should be taken into custody under RCW 13.34.050 or 26.44.050. If there is no person or agency having the right to physical custody available to take custody of the child, the officer may place the child in shelter care as provided in RCW 13.34.060.
(2) A law enforcement officer or public employee acting reasonably and in good faith shall not be held liable in any civil action for returning the child to a person having the apparent right to physical custody.
[ 1984 c 95 s 4.]

Notes

Severability—1984 c 95: See note following RCW 9A.40.060.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 13.34.055

What does Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.055 cover?

Section 13.34.055 ("Custody by law enforcement officer — Release from liability.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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Is this the official text of Washington law?

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

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