Page 40 - TPA Journal May - June 2018

Canton v. Harris: Implications for Police Training

Dr. Tom Mijares

School of Criminal Justice
Texas State University

San Marcos, TX 78666

The case of City of Canton v. Harris (489 U.S. 378, 1989) is considered by many legal scholars

to be the seminal court case providing the reason and the guidance for continuous training in law

enforcement agencies. Because of its importance to police training, regardless of level or substance,
trainees and decision-makers alike should possess an understanding of the basic history and future

implications of the case.

Facts of the Case

On April 26, 1978, Mrs. Geraldine Harris was stopped by a Canton, Ohio police officer for

speeding. Agitated by her perception that others were also speeding, she refused to provide the
information needed to allow him to issue the citation. Consistent with policies and procedures

established by the city and state, the officer placed the woman under arrest and requested a patrol
wagon for conveyance to the police station. At this point Mrs. Harris behavior became so agitated that

she was unable to walk without assistance or enter the patrol wagon unaided.

Upon arrival at the station Mrs. Harris was found sitting on the floor of the wagon. When she
was asked if she needed medical attention, she responded with an incoherent remark. After she was

brought into the station for processing, she slumped to the floor twice. Eventually the officers left her
on the floor to keep her from falling and injuring herself. Although Mrs. Harris behavior was unusual,

the officers also recognized that it was not uncommon for a detainee to become emotional and

unintelligible when brought to a police station, particularly if the individual had never been there
previously. As a result of the situation the decision was made to expedite her processing and to locate

her son so that she could be released to him. As soon as the processing allowed, (approximately 30

minutes), Mrs. Harris was released to her son and taken to a hospital in an ambulance provided by her
family. She was diagnosed as suffering from several emotional ailments and hospitalized for a week.

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