Police+powers+&+reporting+crime


 * 1. Outline the role of police in investigating crime**

Police are responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and for the maintenance of public order. They are also responsible for ensuring that criminal laws are observed. They investigate crimes, make arrests if necessary, interrogate suspects and gather evidence against the accused. They then present this evidence for judgement to a court on behalf of the states, either directly or through a prosecutor.


 * 2. Explain the main powers that police have in relation to crime**

The NSW Police Force is awarded special legal powers under statute law to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.The majority of these powers are contained in the //Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (NSW)//. Some of the main police powers include the power to: Occasionally police may be given greater powers in specific areas in order to combat particular threats/perceived threats to the community. These special powers awarded to police can be controversial because they will often directly conflict with ordinary rights of citizens.
 * Detain and question suspects
 * Search property and seize evidence ( search and seizure)
 * Use reasonable force
 * Use particular technologies to assist an investigation eg. phone taps, surveillance or DNA samples
 * Arrest and interrogate suspects
 * Recommend whether bail should be granted


 * 3. Can police use force against others in the execution of their duty? Can you find an example of where police use of force has been controversial?**

Yes, police can use a reasonable force if necessary to carry out their duties. These special powers awarded to police can be controversial because they will often directly conflict with ordinary rights of citizens. For example if one citizen were to use force to detain another in public, they may be criminally liable for offenses such as assault, false imprisonment and affray

//Reasonable force:It such force as is necessary for the officer to perform the unction; the police must honestly believe that it was justified and not excessive//


 * 4. Outline the role that the public play in reporting crime**

Citizen have an important role to play in the criminal justice system by reporting crime. Community programs have been established to encourage the public to report information about criminal activity and this can assist police work and help to promote a sense of community participation in solving crimes. An example is Crime Stoppers, a national community based program that encourages people to report information on unsolved crimes/unknown offenses, suspicious/unusual behavior.

In 2009 NSW Crime Stoppers reported receiving 47247 contacts from the public. 298 people were arrested and 1376 charges laid.

No, Domestic violence and sexual assault are under-reported due to the shame and embarrassment victims feel and their unwillingness to go through the ordeal of reliving the experience. 85% of sexual assault crimes go unreported
 * 5. Are all crimes reported? Use statistics to support your answer**


 * 6. Explain why many crimes are under-reported.**

Many crimes are under-reported due to several reasons. These Include:


 * reluctance to become involved or have to appear as a witness
 * fear of consequences if the crime is reported
 * inability to report crime
 * the dispute has already has already been settled with the offender, such as a brawl or theft by a person known to the victim
 * perceived time or administrative burden of reporting a crime