摘要
PACE is the foundational statute governing police powers and the rights of suspects in England & Wales. It regulates stop and search, arrest, detention, investigation, and the admissibility of evidence. The Act is supplemented by detailed Codes of Practice (A–H) which police officers must follow.
要点
- Stop and search powers require reasonable grounds for suspicion (s.1)
- Power of arrest without warrant for any offence where arrest is necessary (s.24)
- Arrested persons must be told the grounds for arrest (s.28)
- Right to have someone informed of arrest (s.56) and right to legal advice (s.58)
- Time limits on detention: 24 hours normally, up to 96 hours with extensions (ss.41–44)
- Rules on interviews, cautions, and recording (Code C)
- Court discretion to exclude unfair evidence (s.78)
- Codes of Practice A–H provide detailed procedural guidance
章节
修正历史
2005 — Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005
Replaced the previous powers of arrest with a single power of arrest for any offence, subject to a necessity test.