Police Powers Notes

However, in Osman v DPP, the officers failed to provide their name and station. Hence, it was held that the search of Mr Osman was unlawful. The requirement of providing the officer’s name and station protects the individual rights of citizens as it may deter police from abusing powers. However it is a weak and inadequate protection.

Under section 17 PACE, police are also given the powers to enter premises to make arrest. The capture of unlawful persons is necessary to protect society needs. However, this gives police a lot of powers as they can enter into any private property. In Thomas and Sawkins, police entered a premise where a meeting was held, and remained until the meeting has ended. It was held that officers were entitled, in the execution of their duty, to prevent the any breach of peace by entering and remaining on premises under reasonable grounds for believing that a breach may occur. 

 Usually, a warrant has to be issued from a magistrate, under s.8 of PACE. This aims to prevent the abuse of police powers as authorization is needed to enter premises of person(s). However, as it is sometimes impossible to wait for a warrant, the courts held that the police need not comply precisely with these requirements. Hence, this may forgo the rights of the individuals and give more powers to police.

Section 24 PACE sets of the powers of police to arrest without a warrant if they have reasonable suspicion to believe that a person have committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence.  The police can also arrest the person under circumstances where:

1. A false name and address is given
2. Prevent disappearance of person in question
3. Allow prompt and effective investigation of offence

However the list is not exhaustive. Hence, police are given a lot of powers to arrest persons. If it was a wrongful arrest, and the arrest was done lawfully, the rights of individuals are violated as detainees cannot sue for compensation. This violates individual rights.

In O’Hara’s case, there are 2 stages to determine reasonable suspicion: the officer has actual suspicion (subjective test) or reasonable grounds for suspicion (objective).