UK: New Year, New Labour, New Police State
reuters: Police gain greater arrest powers
Police will be able to arrest anyone for any criminal offence, including minor misdemeanours such as dropping litter, under new laws which come into force on Sunday.
Until now police have had the power to arrest only those suspected of committing an offence carrying a sentence of at least five years in prison.
The new law requires only that the police have reasonable grounds for believing that a person's arrest is necessary. This can include a suspect's refusal to give their name and address.
The changes are part of the Serious and Organised Crime Act 2005, which removes the distinction between "arrestable" and "non-arrestable" offences.
Offences that have until now been non-arrestable include impersonating a police officer, not stopping a vehicle when ordered to do so and making or selling an offensive weapon.
Police will in future be allowed to photograph suspects on the street where they have been arrested or issued with a fixed penalty notice, rather than back at a police station.
"The introduction of a single rationalised power of arrest simplifies arrest powers," said Home Office minister Hazel Blears.
"These tough new powers make a significant contribution to creating a modern, efficient police service equipping frontline officers with the tools they need to fight modern crime effectively and keep our neighbourhoods safe." Link
db: Home Office Minister said:"The powers need to be updated in order to reflect modern policing priorities and the changing nature of criminal activity."
We first heard about this law change a week or so ago. Exactly how much 'news' was it was necessary to scan in order to catch the 'debate' that must have taken place, somewhere, concerning this latest New Labour attack on our way of life?
All those who hold with the notion that your are safe as long as you are not a terrorist/(organized) criminal/'trouble maker' need to take heed. Under New Labour a web of legislation is being created that in the future may be used to target YOU.
Police will be able to arrest anyone for any criminal offence, including minor misdemeanours such as dropping litter, under new laws which come into force on Sunday.
Until now police have had the power to arrest only those suspected of committing an offence carrying a sentence of at least five years in prison.
The new law requires only that the police have reasonable grounds for believing that a person's arrest is necessary. This can include a suspect's refusal to give their name and address.
The changes are part of the Serious and Organised Crime Act 2005, which removes the distinction between "arrestable" and "non-arrestable" offences.
Offences that have until now been non-arrestable include impersonating a police officer, not stopping a vehicle when ordered to do so and making or selling an offensive weapon.
Police will in future be allowed to photograph suspects on the street where they have been arrested or issued with a fixed penalty notice, rather than back at a police station.
"The introduction of a single rationalised power of arrest simplifies arrest powers," said Home Office minister Hazel Blears.
"These tough new powers make a significant contribution to creating a modern, efficient police service equipping frontline officers with the tools they need to fight modern crime effectively and keep our neighbourhoods safe." Link
db: Home Office Minister said:"The powers need to be updated in order to reflect modern policing priorities and the changing nature of criminal activity."
We first heard about this law change a week or so ago. Exactly how much 'news' was it was necessary to scan in order to catch the 'debate' that must have taken place, somewhere, concerning this latest New Labour attack on our way of life?
All those who hold with the notion that your are safe as long as you are not a terrorist/(organized) criminal/'trouble maker' need to take heed. Under New Labour a web of legislation is being created that in the future may be used to target YOU.
posted by exoplanet at 12:52 PM
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