Question

While working at a school on a weekend, the Guard detains someone who was found vandalizing the walls with spray paint. After informing the suspect that they are under arrest, the suspect tells the guard that they are the son of a diplomat and therefore has diplomatic immunity. What should the Guard do?

1) The Guard should let the suspect go as he cannot legally arrest someone with diplomatic immunity
2) The Guard should proceed with the arrest normally and call the police
3) The Guard should ask for ID and documents to confirm that they possess diplomatic immunity prior to releasing the suspect
4) The Guard should contact the embassy and ask that they pay for the paint removal

Answer 1

The guard should verify the suspect's claim of diplomatic immunity by requesting identification and documentation. If confirmed, diplomatic channels will be informed; otherwise, regular arrest procedures should follow.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a guard at a school encounters someone who claims diplomatic immunity, the most appropriate action would be for the guard to ask for identification and documentation that can confirm the claim of immunity. Therefore, option 3, asking for ID and documents to confirm they possess diplomatic immunity prior to releasing the suspect, is the one the guard should consider following. It's important for the guard to verify the claim since individuals with genuine diplomatic immunity cannot be arrested or detained, but false claims must be identified to uphold the school's safety and legal procedures.

If the suspect is indeed found to have diplomatic immunity, the guard can then inform the police and the respective embassy about the incident for further diplomatic and legal action. If the suspect can't prove that he has immunity, the guard should proceed to detain the suspect and inform law enforcement as per normal protocol.