The law gives police officers the authority to keep the peace, prevent crime and protect property from criminal damage. These powers are greater than what an ordinary person can legally do and include the power to:
arrest and detain people
obtain information
carry out searches
seize things, and
obtain identifying information, such as DNA and fingerprints.
It is important that you understand what the police can lawfully do, and what things you must do when asked by police, in these circumstances.
The law also gives people in certain jobs, such as security guards, bouncers and Transit Officers special permissions to stop, question, search and possibly arrest people.
If you are impacted by the regional court closures between 1 June and 28 August and you don’t think you can attend court in person, it’s important to let the court know.
The information displayed on this page is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have a legal problem, you should
see a lawyer. Legal Aid Western Australia aims to provide information that is accurate, however does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions in the
information provided on this page or incorporated into it by reference.
