Police rights
The Police Act contains the key provisions that regulate police operations:
The police have the right and the obligation to prioritize their duties. Situations that threaten human lives always come first.
The police have the right to take down anyone's personal details if this is necessary to fulfil their duties. Anyone who refuses to cooperate in this or provides false information can be apprehended for up to 24 hours.
The police have the right to apprehend a person who is incapable of looking after him/herself, should this be necessary to ensure his/her safety or health. Such persons may be seriously intoxicated or mentally unbalanced.
The police have the right to order a gathering to disperse or move elsewhere, should this gathering disrupt public order or obstruct traffic.
The police have the right to take temporary possession of explosives and other dangerous substances or objects if it is reasonable to suspect that they represent an imminent danger.
The police have the right to refrain from completing an action if it could lead to unreasonable consequences compared with the outcome sought.
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