Police powers Essay Police Powers Demand name and address Question suspects for reasonable time Ask

suspect to go to police station to be question Pol. interview relating to indictable offences must be taped Individual rights Right to remain silent Insist not held for more than reasonable time (bail, unconditionally, charge) Refuse questioning unless arrested Request taped interview < 18 must have independent adult present during interview May contact a lawyer and a friend Refuse to be searched unless arrested Refuse to allow search unless with warrant Must release in reasonable time Ask why Right to remain silent but must provide name and address Fingerprints must be destroyed 6 months after if (no charges, not guilty) person must be told Cannot fingerprint <10 unless court order ^same as fingerprints refuse

Search Suspect (weapon, drugs, stolen property)(no warrant) May search car or house with reasonable force (warrant) Arresting Charge suspect on minor offence if refuse to be questioned Arrest on reasonable grounds or with warrant Use reasonable force when arresting Evidence Fingerprint age <15 no permission if reasonable grounds 10-14 fingerprints taken only if permission or court order Take forensic samples from suspect charged with indictable offence Ask suspect to attend line up

Debate on increasing police powers For increased powers Most criminals have a sound knowledge of their rights and the limitations put on police powers. Police need to deal with increasing crime rates Need to address safety within the community Against increased powers Police already have significant powers

Fear of police corruption and abuse of power No evidence supporting link between increased police powers and crime prevention or detection Well organised wealthy crims can misuse their rights to The emphasis should be on crime prevention rather than avoid detection or arrest detection. In 2004 bracks attempted to introduce increased powers no community consultation Opi must have increased power as well. The police must be seen as an authoritative body (eg. Hoons)