Police Orders At Accidents

Summary

Police in Virginia can order individuals back into vehicles at accident scenes for safety. This is based on maintaining public safety and order, though specific case law may not directly address it. Consulting a local attorney can provide more detailed guidance.

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What’s the case law behind this
In Virginia, the authority of police officers to issue commands at the scene of an accident often relies on the principle of maintaining public safety and order. While there may not be a specific "case law" directly addressing this, it generally falls under the broader police powers doctrine. Cases like Terry v. Ohio cover broader authority, but local ordinances and departmental policies might also influence such actions. If you need specifics, consulting a local attorney could be helpful.