The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

This work examines the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 as it regulates police powers and their use. The legislation was passed in the aftermath of the Scarman Enquiry into the Brixton riots, and Parliament's acceptance of most of Lord Scarman's recommendations, coupled with Home Office proposals for updating and extending police powers in areas like road blocks and search and seizure of premises. The text provides annotations and commentary on the provisions as they regulate a number of key areas of policing such as stop and search in the street; powers of entry, search, and seizure; arrest and detention; and the questioning and treatment of detainees in the investigation of crime. Consideration is given to processes for obtaining and using evidence in proceedings, and the use of Codes of Practice to supplement the legislation.