So, after assuring us that new draconian powers to stop people under anti-terrorist legislation would be applied correctly and sparingly (4,500 detentions in Hampshire in one quarter alone so clearly it was a previously unknown definition of sparingly and correctly that was in mind), the state starts to put in place the next stage of its plan to ensure total control over its citizens.
So you can now be arrested for anything (or nothing) at any time, as long as a police officer thinks it is "necessary". The anti-terrorism act can be quoted so you can then be held for a month without cause, reason, evidence or even knowing what it is you are accused of.
Welcome to the friendly 21st Century face of the fluffy, cuddly police state. Still, I'm sure it will make people who believe there are bearded fanatics hiding behind every street light feel safer at night. Until it's them or one of their family who's arrested because it is "necessary" of course.
Police are to be given sweeping powers to arrest people for every offence, including dropping litter, failure to wear a seat belt and other minor misdemeanours. The measures, which come into force on Jan 1, are the biggest expansion in decades of police powers to deprive people of their liberty.
At present, officers can generally arrest people if they suspect them of committing an offence which carries at least five years in prison. They will now have the discretion to detain someone if they suspect any offence and think that an arrest is "necessary".
At present, officers can generally arrest people if they suspect them of committing an offence which carries at least five years in prison. They will now have the discretion to detain someone if they suspect any offence and think that an arrest is "necessary".
Welcome to the friendly 21st Century face of the fluffy, cuddly police state. Still, I'm sure it will make people who believe there are bearded fanatics hiding behind every street light feel safer at night. Until it's them or one of their family who's arrested because it is "necessary" of course.
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