NCJ Number
101858
Date Published
1986
Length
243 pages
Annotation
This book examines the constitutional framework within which the police in England and Wales operate; police complaints procedures; and police powers regarding search and seizure, questioning, and surveillance.
Abstract
Following a review of the contemporary debate over police powers, the book assesses institutions which form the basis of police organization: the office of constable, the police authorities, chief constables, and the central government. An historical review of changes in procedures for investigating complaints made against the police by the public focuses on the Police Act of 1976 and the reform movement of the 1980's. Individual chapters explain police powers of arrest and detention, stop and search, and search and seizure. Also described are laws governing police interrogation of suspects and electronic surveillance. These discussions cite relevant case law and provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984. A 1983 survey of police efforts to establish community liaison committees is included. Footnotes, tables of cases and statutes, and index.