p. 48219. Police powers
- Neil ParpworthNeil ParpworthAssociate Professor in Law, De Montfort University
Abstract
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) confers many powers upon the police. This chapter discusses the codes of practice of PACE, police powers of stop and search, the power to arrest members of the public, and the powers to enter property. Whether or not a particular power is exercised will be a matter for the discretion for an individual officer. The exercise of this discretion and the extent to which this is subject to review by the courts will be examined. Finally, the chapter looks at two offences which may be committed against the police: assaulting an officer and wilful obstruction of an officer.
