Conclusion: The Police, the Acts and the Public (From Police: Powers, Procedures and Proprieties, P 281-297, 1986, John Benyon and Colin Bourn, eds. -- See NCJ-158031)

• NCJ Number: 158056
• Author(s): C Bourn
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Pergamon Press Limited
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984 and the Prosecution of Offences Act of 1985 had their origins in the decision of England's Labor Party in 1977 to authorize a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system.

Abstract

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act contains provisions on stop and search, in response to an increase in the incidence of burglary, street crime, and drug offenses. The exercise of stop and search powers, however, poses the problem of balance between the need to combat crime and adverse impact on police-community relations. The act also incorporates provisions on arrest powers, suspect treatment in police stations, tape recording of suspect interviews, and police accountability. Further, the act covers court review of violations of the act, particularly in the context of criminal prosecutions, civil actions, and the exclusion of evidence. The act contains guidelines pertinent to complaints against the police and controls over the abuse of police powers. The Prosecution of Offences Act is designed to separate the prosecution process from the criminal investigation process. Responsibility for prosecution rests with the Crown Prosecution Service, part of a national prosecution system under the Director of Public Prosecutions. Together, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and the Prosecution of Offences Act form an elaborate new code of criminal procedure. 58 notes