The Police

Flashcards about The Police and their duties

Police Powers

Special legal powers to search, detain, and arrest suspected criminals.

Use of Force

The use of force must be reasonable.

Core Services of Police Officers

Crime prevention, law enforcement, assistance to victims of crime, maintenance of public order, emergency response, investigation of crime.

Police Conduct Oversight

Overseen legislatively, judicially, administratively, and constitutionally.

Legislative Police Oversight

Includes the Police Services Act.

Judicial Police Oversight

Courts, common law precedents.

Administrative Police Oversight

Civilian commissions, police services boards.

Constitutional Police Oversight

Charter of Rights, sections 7–10.

Principle of Police Services

Need to ensure safety and security of people and their property.

Safeguarding Rights

Importance of safeguarding fundamental rights guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and other human rights laws.

Police-Community Cooperation

Need for cooperation between police and communities.

Respect for Victims

Respecting victims of crime and their needs.

Cultural Sensitivity

Being sensitive about the diverse and multicultural nature of society.

Police Representation

Ensuring that police represent communities they serve.

Grounds for Arrest

If police have reasonable and probable grounds to suspect someone of a crime.

Basic Options for Arrest

Issue an appearance notice, arrest the suspect, obtain an arrest warrant.

Arrest for Indictable Offences

For serious indictable offences, the police may arrest a suspect and take him or her into custody.

Arrest Procedure Step 1

Identify himself/herself as a police officer.

Arrest Procedure Step 2

Inform the accused of the charge(s).

Step 3

Cautions Right to counsel; right to remain silent.

Arrest Procedure Step 4

Physically touch the accused to signify custody (usually means putting the suspect in handcuffs).

Resisting Arrest

The police may use "as much force as necessary."

Summons

Orders someone to appear in criminal court.

Arrest Warrant

Names the accused, lists the offence(s), and orders the arrest.

Citizen's Arrest

In certain situations, ordinary citizens are permitted by law to arrest others.

Citizen's Arrest Justification 1

They are defending themselves, their dwelling, and/or their property.

Citizen's Arrest Justification 2

They witness an indictable offence while it is in the process of being committed.

Citizen's Arrest Justification 3

They are assisting a police officer.