Even in a private‑law context, public safety officers retain their authority to enforce criminal and public‑safety laws. Your PMA or 508(c)(1)(A) documents establish private contractual relationships between members and protect you in civil or commercial disputes—but they do not override:

  • Criminal statutes (health‑or‑safety codes if you cause harm or breach the peace, assault, theft, etc.)

  • Legitimate police investigations or warrants

  • Zoning or public‑health orders issued under police power

What You Can Do

  1. Stay Respectful & Compliant
    If approached by an officer, remain calm, identify yourself, and comply with reasonable requests (ID, proof of residence).

  2. Offer Your Private‑Law Notice
    Politely present your “Notice of Private Jurisdiction,” along with your PMA membership card or agreements. You might say:

    “Officer, I operate under a private membership association. Here’s my Notice of Private Jurisdiction and Membership Agreement. I’m happy to cooperate within those bounds.”

  3. Record the Interaction
    — Note badge numbers, names, and what was requested.
    — If safe, record audio or video for your records.

  4. Seek Lawful Counsel
    — If the officer insists on state licensing or threatens enforcement, request to speak with an attorney.
    — A qualified attorney can help assert your private‑law position in court, if necessary.

What You Can’t Do

  • Refuse to Identify Yourself under lawful stop/detention.

  • Invoke Private Law to block legitimate criminal investigations.

  • Expect PMA Documents to replace public‑law requirements in emergencies (911, welfare checks, criminal acts).

Why This Matters

Your PMA paperwork is your civil‑contract shield, not a shield against public law enforcement. Showing your documents can:

  • Clarify that you aren’t operating under state licensing

  • Document your intent to govern privately

  • Potentially de‑escalate civil‑law misunderstandings

But it won’t prevent lawful police action if there’s credible reason or legal obligation. For that, you’ll need to rely on due‑process protections—your right to remain silent, your right to counsel, and, if it goes to court, your private‑law arguments there.

Private‑law structures like a PMA or 508(c)(1)(A) faith‑based organization can lawfully exempt you from many business licensing and tax‑reporting requirements—but they do not override statutes enacted to protect public health and safety. Here’s why:

1. Public Health Laws Are Criminal or Quasi‑Criminal in Nature

  • Sanitation codes, blood‑borne pathogen regulations, and inspection requirements are passed under a state’s police power to protect everyone’s health.

  • Violating those codes can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges, fines, and forced closure of your premises.

Private membership agreements cannot nullify a criminal statute or an emergency health order.

2. Private vs. Public Jurisdiction

  • Private jurisdiction (your PMA/508(c)(1)(A)) governs civil‑contractual relations among members—who may waive certain business‑license obligations between themselves.

  • Public jurisdiction (state and local government) enforces laws that protect third‑party rights—your clients’ right to a safe, sanitary procedure.

You can contract away your own liability civilly, but you cannot contract away the state’s authority to step in when it comes to community health.

3. “Safe and Not Causing Injury” Isn’t Enough Legally

  • Even if you personally maintain spotless hygiene, the law requires you show compliance:

    • Certified sanitation protocols

    • Blood‑borne pathogen training certificates

    • Periodic inspections by the health department

Without those, an inspector can issue a cease‑and‑desist, impose civil penalties, or refer you for criminal prosecution.

4. How to Leverage Your Private Structure Responsibly

  1. Follow Best‑Practice Protocols
    – Use the same cleaning standards the health code prescribes (even if you’re not “licensed”).

  2. Document Your Compliance Internally
    – Keep training records, cleaning logs, and safety‑check affidavits in your PMA files.

  3. Present Your Private‑Law Notice
    – When an inspector arrives, you can show your “Notice of Private Jurisdiction” and your internal safety records to demonstrate good faith—though it won’t legally block the inspection.

  4. Seek Mutual Respect
    – Clarify you’re not evading safety but operating privately, then ask, “How can I work with you to meet safety standards while preserving my private practice?”

5. Bottom Line

  • Yes, you can waive state business licenses in your private‑law contracts.

  • No, you cannot waive criminal or health‑and‑safety laws that protect the public.

Your private documents are a powerful shield in civil matters—but they’re not a sword you can use to cut through criminal or public health statutes. Compliance with health codes remains non‑negotiable.