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The PACE Act stands for the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and concerns the way the police conduct their investigations. If the police are ever going to make a difference when it comes to solving and preventing crimes, they need to get the conviction and this means presenting evidence. In today's society of blame and accountability, all enquires and investigations must be carried out in an utterly professional manner. PACE powers and procedures are an integral part of determining what police do when investigating crime.
The police need certain powers in order to prevent and solve crime. If they weren't permitted to do anything then they would be rendered ineffective. On the other hand, the police cannot be allowed to do absolutely anything they please as this could have some negative consequences for the public. The rights of members of the community have to be respected but so do the needs of the police force. PACE powers and procedures set out the balance and make sure that everybody is safe.
The PACE powers and procedures are constituted by a number of codes which range from code A to code H. These cover all areas of the work carried out by the police force and set the balance between individuals' rights and police duties.
The codes start from the very beginning and stretch across all stages of a police investigation. This begins with the stop, search and arrest powers retained by officers. This is the code that is most commonly used as police need the power to prevent dangerous or illegal activities. They also need to make a first approach when dealing with a criminal or incident.
Code B is the one regarding how police officers can search properties and is most commonly used after the release of a search warrant by a magistrate. Code C sets out the way in which detainees can be treated and questioned.
There are other codes and they all set out the way in which members of the public can be treated if they are suspected of having committed a crime. These PACE powers and procedures are not, however, all relevant to terrorism cases in which alternative powers and codes are in place.
The ACT itself was introduced in 1984 and the codes were put in place at this time. There have been reviews and alterations to keep up with changes in law and modern police methods. The last change that the codes undertook was in 2008 when some of the codes were amended following a review.
It is simply necessary for the police to understand the ways in which their powers have to be used in order to keep the balance distinct and alive. It must be fair whilst still allowing police to be utterly effective in their fight against crime. The PACE powers and procedures are necessary for this reason and without them the police force would be nowhere near as professional as it stands today.
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