911 Callers Reporting Alcohol May Be Immune

A new California law intended to provide some protection for 911 callers under 21 years-old who report people who need medical assistance because of alcohol intoxication, may require additional training by the state’s dispatchers. The law was prompted by several under-age deaths attributed to alcohol, usually during parties, and which were not reported by witnesses for fear they would be prosecuted themselves. Section 22667 of the state’s Business and Professions Code says anyone under 21, “shall be immune from criminal prosecution if”:

• The underage person calls 911 and reports that either himself or herself or another person is in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption
• The underage person is the first person to make the 911 report
• The underage person who makes the report remains on the scene with the other person until medical assistance arrives, and cooperates with medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on the scene

In this case, calltakers may need to ask more questions about the circumstances of the intoxication, including if anyone is under 21 years-old, the identify of the caller, and advice for the caller to stay at the scene. Download (pdf) a copy of the law here.