Parole officers currently have arrest power only over parolees. But peace officers can make warrantless arrests in their precinct of any person for any offense in their jurisdiction. They are justified in using physical force while effecting an arrest pursuant to a warrant or preventing an escape, and they may use deadly force in self-defense without the obligation of retreating. A person may not use physical force to resist arrest by a reasonably identifiable peace officer. It is an offense to interfere with a peace officer, and failing to assist a peace officer in the execution of his duties when commanded to do so is an offense.
Several crimes carry stiffer penalties when peace officers are involved.
Assault of a peace officer is a specific offense when causing injury or attempting to cause injury to a reasonably identifiable peace officer while performing his duties. Arson, when subjecting a peace officer to the substantial risk of bodily harm at the scene of the fire, is punishable as a class A felony. The statutes make it a crime to kill an animal under the supervision of a peace officer. A peace officer is privileged and need not have a permit to purchase or receive a pistol or revolver. Peace officers also have access to criminal record searches.