Revision Flashcards
Act covering search, seizure, surveillance, entry
Search and Surveillance Act 2012
Legislation covering “must”s and “may”s during search
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Section 125 (1)
When exercising a search power you must
Name - Provide your name or unique identifier
Act - Advise the Act you are searching under
Reason - Give a reason for the search
You must also identify yourself as a Police Office if not in uniform
When exercising a search power you may
Detain the person for as long as is necessary to carry out the search.
Use force that is reasonable for the purposes of the search
Search any item that the person is wearing, carrying, or is in the person’s physical possession or immediate control.
Seize anything carried by or in their physical possession or immediate control if the thing is the subject or the search or may be lawfully seized
Search And Surveillance Act 2012 Sec 85
Rub down search for arrested or detained persons.
This may be carried out when the person is arrested or detailed under a statutory power of detainment
To ensure that the person is not carrying anything that may be used to - harm any person or facilitate the persons escape
Methods appropriate during rub down search
Run or pat your hand over the body of the person being searched, whether outside or inside the clothing (other than underclothing)
Insert your hand inside any pocket or pouch in the clothing of the person being searched (using gloves)
For visual inspection ask the person to open their moth, display the palms of their hands or soles of their feet, lift or rub their hair
Remove, raise, lower, or open any clothing such as coat, jumper, jacket etc
Remove any head coverings, gloves, footwear, socks, stockings
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Sec 88
Powers to search a person who is arrested or detained if you have reasonable grounds to believe the person is carrying anything that:
Is evidential material relating to the offence in which the arrest/detainment is made or
May be used to harm any person or
May be used to facilitate the persons escape
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Sec 11
Search powers for anyone who has been taken into lawful custody and is at a Police station, or another premises used for Police purposes, or about to be placed into a Police vehicle.
This section also provides powers to search someone if they weren’t searched before they were locked up, or if they came into contact with someone who isn’t locked up, or if they came into contact with someone who wasn’t searched before they were locked up, or if there are reasonable grounds to suspect they have something which could harm any person
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Sec 13
Any money or property taken from a person before they are locked up must be returned to the person when they are released from custody except:
Money or property used as evidence
If the possession of the money or property would constitute an offence
Definition of public place
At any given time
Is open to or being used by the public
Whether free or on payment of charge
And whether owner/occupier is lawfully entitled to exclude or eject that person from that place
Includes vehicles carrying or available to carry passengers for reward
And includes the interior of any vehicle which is in a public place
Disorder Offences
Fighting in a public place
Resists Police
Obstruction
Disorderly / Offensive Behaviour
Disorderly Behaviour likely to cause violence
Fighting in a public place
Act
Elements
Proven by
Summary Offences Act 1981 Sec 7
Fights - punching, striking, mauling, wrestling etc between 2 or more willing participants
In a public place - as per definition
Resists Police
Act
Elements
Proven by
Summary Offences Act 1981 Sec 23(a)
Resists - requires some degree of force by the offender
Or
Incites or encourages any other person to resist - urge or persuade any other person to use some degree of force
Any constable, AO, prison officer, traffic officer acting in the execution of their duty - must be lawfully exercising their powers
Obstruction
Act
Elements
Proven by
Summary Offences Act 1981 Sec 23(a)
Intentionally obstructs - deliberately makes it more difficult for a person to carry out their duties
Or
Incites or encourages any other person to obstruct - urge or persuade any other person to make it more difficult for a person to carry out their duties
Any constable, AO, prison officer, traffic officer acting in the execution of their duty - must be lawfully exercising their powers
Offensive OR Disorderly Behaviour
Act
Elements
Proven by
Summary Offences Act 1981 Sec 4(1)(a)
In a public place - as per the definition
OR
Within view of a public place - per definition
Behaves in an offensive manner - A manner arousing feelings of anger, resentment, or disgust that causes a disturbance to public order
OR
Behaves in a disorderly manner - Behaves in a seriously disruptive manner that causes a disruption to public order
Disorderly Behaviour Likely to Cause Violence
Act
Elements
Proven by
Summary Offences Act 1981 Sec 3
In a public place - as per the definition
OR
Within view of a public place - per definition
Behaves in - to act in this manner
OR
Incites or encourages any person to behave in - urge or persuade any other person to behave in a manner
ROTID (one of these)
That is likely, in the circumstances, to cause violence against persons or property to start or continue
ROTID
A riotous manner OR An offensive manner OR A threatening manner OR An insulting manner OR A disorderly manner
Rule to consider when looking at disorder offences
Time, Place, Circumstances
Depending on the time, place, and circumstances of a disorder offence, there may well be a different result for certain incidents.
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Sec 92
Allows an officer to request consent to search a person or their place, vehicle, or any other thing in their control for the following purposes:
to prevent the commission of an offence
to protect life or property, or to prevent any harm
to investigate whether an offence has been committed
or any other purpose in respect of which the officer could exercise a power of search conferred by any enactment, if he or she held a particular belief or suspicion specified in the enactment
Search and Surveillance Act 2012 Sec 93
Before conducting a search by consent, the officer who proposes the search must:
determine that the search is for a purposes authorised by section 92
advise the person from whom the consent is sought the reason for the proposed search
advise the person that he or she may either consent to the search or refuse to consent to the search
Theft (by taking)
Act
Elements
Proven by
Crimes Act 1961 Sec 219(1)(a) & 223 (b) or 223(c) or 223(d)
Dishonestly - Without a belief that there was consent or authority from the owner
Without claim of right - No belief in a right to own or possess the property
Takes - Physically moves the property
Any property - Anything whatsoever, whether tangible or intangible, that is the property of any person and has value
With intent to deprive any owner permanently of that property - intent to deprive the owner permanently of the property, or deal with the property in a manner so that it cannot be restored to its original condition
OR
intent to deprive any owner permanently of any interest in that property - intent to deprive the owner permanently of that part of the property in which they have an interest
Theft (by using or dealing)
Act
Elements
Proven by
Crimes Act 1961 Sec 219(1)(a) & 223 (b) or 223(c) or 223(d)
Dishonestly - Without a belief that there was consent or authority from the owner
Without claim of right - No belief in a right to own or possess the property
Uses or Deals with - Exceeds the authority or conditions given by using or dealing with the property in any manner
Any property - Anything whatsoever, whether tangible or intangible, that is the property of any person and has value
With intent to deprive any owner permanently of that property - intent to deprive the owner permanently of the property, or deal with the property in a manner so that it cannot be restored to its original condition
OR
intent to deprive any owner permanently of any interest in that property - intent to deprive the owner permanently of that part of the property in which they have an interest
After obtaining possession or control of the property in whatever manner
Special types of theft
Theft by person in a special relationship - Crimes Act 1961 Sec 220
Applies to any person who has received, or is in possession of or control over, any property and is required to:
- account to any other person for the property or for any proceeds arising from that property or
- deal with the property, or any proceeds arising from the property, in accordance with the requirements of any other person
Theft of animals - Crimes Act 1961 Sec 221
Committed by killing any animal that is the property of another person with intent to steal the carcass, skin, plumage, or other part of the animal
Theft by spouse - Crimes Act 1961 Sec 222
A person may be convicted of theft even if the victim and offender where married at the time of the theft.
Ownership in relation to theft offences
A person is regarded as the owner of any property that is stolen if, at the time of the theft that person has:
a) possession or control of the property
b) any interest in the property
c) the right to take possession or control of the property
An owner of any property may be guilty of theft against another owner of that property
Burglary
Act
Elements
Proven by
Crimes Act 1961 Section 231(1)(a)
Enters - Entry is complete as soon as any part of the body or instrument used by the offender is within the building or ship
Any building - any building or structure whether permanent or temporary including: tent, caravan, houseboat, enclosed yard, enclosed tunnel
OR
Any ship - any vessel used in navigation, however propelled
OR
Any part of a building - part of the description above
OR
Any part of a ship - part of the description above
Without authority - an absence of authority, either expressed or implied, from a person the defendant believes is legally able to give consent OR where authority has been gained by threat or artifice
With intent to commit an imprisonable offence in the building
OR
ship - There must be an intention to commit an imprisonable offence in the building or ship
Burglary (having entered)
Act
Elements
Proven by
Crimes Act 1961 Section 231(1)(b)
Having entered - Is physically inside the building or ship
Any building - any building or structure whether permanent or temporary including: tent, caravan, houseboat, enclosed yard, enclosed tunnel
OR
Any ship - any vessel used in navigation, however propelled
Remains without authority - remains when consent to be within the building or ship no longer applies
With intent to commit an imprisonable offence in the building
OR
ship - There must be an intention to commit an imprisonable offence in the building or ship
Powers of arrest
Act
Different powers (with section numbers and descriptions)
Crimes Act 1961
Section 39 - executing process or arrest - allows the use of force necessary to overcome an opposing force when arresting/detaining someone
Section 40 - prevent escape or rescue - allows the use of force necessary prevent the escape of someone who takes flight to avoid arrest, or prevent the escape or rescue of someone who has been arrested
Section 41 - prevent suicide or certain offences - allows the use of force necessary to prevent a person from suicide or the commission of another offence which would be likely to cause immediate or serious injury to the person or property of any one.
Section 42 - prevent breach of the peace - allows the use of force to prevent a breach of the peace
Section 48 - self defence and defence of another - allows the use of force to defend yourself or another person
Assault (various types) definition 1 of 2
Elements
Acts
Components
Summary Offences Act 1981, Crimes Act 1961
Assaults:
The act of intentionally applying force (must be deliberate. The smallest force can constitute an assault)
Or attempting to apply force (still must be deliberate. To attempt is to commit the full offence)
Directly (the force is applied directly by touching or throwing something at the person)
Or indirectly (As long as the offender intended to, any action which results in the victim being hurt (pulling out a chair) can be assault even if there is no direct contact)
OR
Threatening by any act or gesture to apply such force to another (usually words and gestures are combined and make the offenders intentions clear)
If the person making the threat has, or causes the other person to believe on reasonable grounds he has (the conduct of the offender must be such that it causes the other person to believe they will be physically harmed)
The present ability to effect their purpose (the victim has to fear physical harm and believe that the offender is immediately capable of carrying out the threat)
Another Person: Another person (you cannot assault yourself or an animal or inanimate object - only another person)
Types of assault
Direct assault - directly applying force to someone
Indirect assault - hurting someone through actions without directly applying force (eg pulling out a chair)
Conditional assault - the offender provides a condition which could lead to assault (eg take one more step and I’ll punch you)
Transferred malice - the offender attempts assault but someone else is also assaulted or physically hurt as a result.
Wilful Damage 1
Act
Elements
Proven By
Summary Offences Act 1981 Section (11)(1)(a)
Intentionally - a deliberate OR reckless act, without lawful justification excuse or claim of right
Damages - Temporary or permanent reduction in the value and/or usefulness of the property
Property - Something that belongs to another person and is capable of being damaged
Wilful Damage 2
Act
Elements
Proven By
Summary Offences Act 1981 Section (11)(1)(b)
Intentionally - a deliberate OR reckless act, without lawful justification excuse or claim of right
Sets fire to - Damages through use of fire
Any tree or vegetation - Any growing plant
Graffiti
Act, sections & descriptions
Summary Offences Act 1981
Section 11A - damages or defaces any building, structure, road, tree, property, or other thing by writing, drawing, painting, spraying, or etching on it, or otherwise marking it - without lawful authority, and without the consent of the owner or occupier or other person in lawful control
Section 11B - without reasonable excuse has in their possession a thing capable of being used to commit an offence against section 11A in circumstances in which it can reasonable be inferred that he or she intends to use it to commit such an offence
Section 14A - an offence to sell a spray can to persons under 18 years of age. There are defences where a fake age document is provided, or where an educational institute provides to students for course work
Section 14B - dictates that spray cans must be stored in such a way that members of the public cannot access them without the help of the occupier
TOF
Tactical Operations Framework - a training and operational tool that assists constables to decide when, how, and at what level to use a tactical option(s). The TOF guides constables to use force that is necessary and appropriate
PCA
Perceived Cumulative Assessment - A constables subjective assessment and continuous reassessment of an incident using TENR based on information known about the situation and the subject’s behaviour.
The PCA should consider:
The incident details provided by Comms including type, location, time, distance to the incident
The number of subjects and constables involved
Your abilities and the subjects (age, gender, size, strength, skill)
Information about the subject (QP, emotional state, influence of drugs and alcohol, presence of or proximity to weapons or weapons of opportunity)
Similar previous experiences with subject or location
Environmental conditions (lighting, physical location)
TENR
Threat - intent, capability, opportunity, environment. Includes any individual, groups, acts, things likely to cause harm or hinder police in the execution of their duties
Exposure - safety, security. Includes potential of harm to people or the security of places or things
Necessity: now, later, never. Involves determining when to act and whether there is an immediate need for intervention
Response - proportionate, timely, appropriate. Means considering all the known or reasonably predicted circumstances and selecting the correct approach and tactical options.
A main goal of TENR is to eliminate complacency
TOF
Tactical Options Framework
Outlines the suitable levels of force available to an officer to overcome the subjects own behaviour
Offender behaviour: Cooperative, Passive resistance, Active resistance, Assaultive, GBH or death
Tactical Options Response (TOR) - Presence and tactical communication, Low degree of force, High degree of force
Contact / Cover Officer Roles
Contact - primary role is the management of the situation prior to arrival with priorities being officer safety and contact with the subject. Tasks:
- Obtaining information
- Formulating a plan
- Communication to all parties
- Reassess tactical options
- Search vehicles / persons
- Seizing and securing exhibits
Cover - primary role is management of the scene with priority being the safety of the contact officer. Tasks:
- Safe setup, distance controls, lines of vision, reaction times
- Environment, photo shot, radiating safety circles
- Adopt a positive physical presence
- Observe subject and the associates
- Visual scan for weapons
- Prevent interference
- Provide backup
- Remain Alert
Handcuffing Theory
- Why they’re used
- When to use
- Risks of use to officer
- Risks of use to subject
- Parts
- TOR reporting
Used as a temporary restraint to prevent injuries to officers, the subject, or any other person. Also used to prevent escape
Risks to officer:
- reduced reactionary gap
- transfer body fluids
- physical assault
- difficulties monitoring subject
- response options limited when hands are occupied
Risks to offender:
- risk of damage to radial nerve when applying bottle top technique
- cuts
- nerve damage
- circulation restraints
Parts:
- Double strand bar
- Single strand bar (blade)
- Swivel eye
- Chain
- Cheek plates
- Rivet (connecting strand bars)
- Ratchet teeth jaw
- Double lock mechanism
- Key with barrel, bit, handle, and double lock actuator
TOR reporting
- required when used with pain compliance
- required when used with another tactical option
- no TOR report required otherwise
Handcuffs - when to use
The following should be considered to determine whether handcuffs are required:
- the nature of the charge or reason for detention
- the likelihood of the person trying to escape
- The ability for Police to apprehend if they abscond
- your own safety, and that of everyone involved
- the persons criminal history (particularly if unknown)
- knowledge of the persons previous behaviour
- whether the circumstances around the arrest suggest it is a situation of some risk
- factors which may elevate or reduce reisks (age, mental health, HIV, hepatitis, asthma, pregnancy, obesity, heart condition
Initial Action
En route to the scene
Obtain
- a description of the suspect
- a description of the suspect’s vehicle (if any)
- the suspect’s direction of travel
- a description of any weapons or exhibits carried
Watch for vehicles which have come from the scene and note registrations.
Discuss areas of responsibility with your partners. Decide who will deal with possible suspects and who will deal with possible victims, and how.
Plan your vehicle approach to ensure safety.
Discuss the safe forward plan - where can you safely park, and where will it be safe for other Police to park when they arrive.
Consider your options