What are Police Powers?

 

 

Police Powers

 

 

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, This act also contains the Codes of Practice which alongside the Act, provide further guidance.

 

The objective of the Criminal Justice System are to punish and deter conduct which society has determined as unacceptable and which is prohibited by law.

 

The Police have powers to investigate alleged crimes. There are specific detailed rules governing the use of the Stop and Search powers, Arrests, Detention and the way suspects are treated and questioned at the Police Station.

 

The Powers are governed by legislation and Codes of Practice which are in strict interpretation and application. The Relevant Principle Act Is the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and there are Codes of Practice made under that Act.

 

Codes of Practice - Section 66 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

• Code A - 2011 - Police Officers have statutory powers to search a person or a vehicle without making an arrest, however the police officer needs to record the stop or encounter.
• Code B - 2011 - Police Powers to search a premises and to seize and retain property found on the premise and the person.
• Code C - 2012 - Requirements for the detention in context of treatment and questioning with non related terrorism questions while in custody.
• Code D - 2011 - Main method by police officers to identify people in connection with investigation of the offences and the keeping of accurate and reliable criminal records.
• Code E - 2011 - Audio recording of the interviews are definite when suspects are interviewed.
• Code F - 2010 - Visual recording may take place if so it should be considered and noted if it takes place.
• Code G - 2012 - Powers of Arrest in section 24 in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 as amended by Section 110 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
• Code H - 2012 - Requirements for detention and treatment and related questions towards suspects of terrorism in police custody.