POWERS OF THE POLICE

Retain the current powers under the Constabulary Force Act, which include: Power to arrest without warrant any person found committing any offence (Section 15) Power of arrest under warrant (Section 16) Powers for searching persons on board any ship or boat (Section 17) Powers to apprehend without warrant with respect to dangerous drugs or illegal gambling (Section 18) Powers to stop and search vehicles with respect to stolen goods, dangerous drugs or illegal gambling (Section 19)

PROPOSED NEW POWERS:

Power to stop and search any person or vehicle in the course of a roadblock or checkpoint in order to restore public order or to ensure public safety (with written authorisation) Power to search for weapons of crime during the course of an investigation. Power to erect or place barriers in or across any road or street or in any public place for the maintenance and preservation of law and order or for the prevention or detection of any offence. Power to bear arms and use force. Power to grant Conditional Release (similar to pre-charge bail as practised in the UK). Example, instead of detaining in some cases, the police may arrest and grant conditional release or bail prior to formal charge. The conditions must be within a stipulated timeline and may include periodic reporting for effective monitoring. Conditional release must be authorised. Power to arrest without warrant with respect to aggressive begging, aggressive vending, loitering and intimidation of individuals. (to assist in curbing street crimes such as loader men at transport centres, windshield wipers, etc.) Powers to issue notices, tickets, and/or summonses with respect to issues relating to public safety, social disorder or blight.