Police Powers

When investigating a serious offence the police are allowed to enter a person’s home without consent:

• In order to make further investigations; or

• In order to make an arrest only where they reasonably suspect the person to be arrested is in the home; or

• The police are never allowed to enter a person’s home unless they have a warrant.

If you are hanging out in a public place, like a park or a mall, the police can insist that you leave even if you have not done anything wrong.

• True

• False

Generally when arresting or searching a person the police can use as much force:

• As they like; or

• As is reasonably necessary; or

• As is reasonably necessary so long as it is not likely to cause grievous bodily harm or death to a person.

The police can take fingerprints from a person who they suspect of committing an offence.

• True

• False

When questioning a suspect the longest the police can detain the person before charging them is

• 4 hours unless the police apply for an extension of time; or

• 8 hours unless the police apply for an extension of time; or

• 14 days if the person is suspected of a terrorism offence

• There is no limit as long as they are only detained for a ‘reasonably necessary’ time.

It is an offence to give the police a false name.

• True

• False

Police can stop and search a vehicle for no reason.

• True

• False

What is the primary role of the police in society?

• To enforce laws and maintain public order

• To create laws

• To judge legal cases

• To provide legal advice

Which of the following is a power granted to police officers?

• The power to legislate

• The power to arrest individuals

• The power to sentence criminals

• The power to interpret laws

Under what circumstances can police search a person's property without a warrant?

• If they have probable cause

• If they feel like it

• If they are off duty

• If they have a personal vendetta