Powers and Proprieties in the Police Station (From Police: Powers, Procedures and Proprieties, P 115-122, 1986, John Benyon and Colin Bourn, eds. -- See NCJ-158031)

• NCJ Number: 158040
• Author(s): J Benyon
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Pergamon Press Limited
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

According to England's Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984, if a confession has been obtained by oppression or under circumstances that bring its reliability into question, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the confession was not obtained in this way.

Abstract

The act further provides that if the case against a mentally handicapped person depends on a confession made in the absence of an independent person, the court must warn the jury of a special need for caution. The act also contains provisions on police interrogation of detained persons and safeguards against inappropriately detaining, treating, and questioning suspects in police stations. The importance of police custody records and the need for internal review and enforcement of police custody procedures are emphasized. In this regard, it is noted that public participation and involvement are essential to achieve a balance between police powers to fight crime and citizen rights and liberties. 13 notes