The Crime and Misconduct Commission is calling for input into its review of the use of police move-on powers in Queensland under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld).
In certain circumstances, police have the power to direct a person to move on or leave a public place.
If the direction is not obeyed, a person can be charged with the offence of ‘contravening the direction or requirement of a police officer’.
CMC Chair, Robert Needham, said police move-on powers were significantly expanded in 2006, and the CMC given the role of reviewing them and preparing a report for tabling in Parliament based on that review.
To ensure the Commission is fully informed and considers all views, the Chairperson has invited the public and a range of government and other stakeholder agencies to provide comment on the powers.
‘We’re interested in hearing about people’s personal experiences and those of their clients, customers, staff or friends in relation to move-on powers in Queensland,” Mr Needham said.
‘We are also keen to know if they believe police move-on powers are being used properly, fairly and effectively and whether people have any recommendations about the existence or use of police move-on powers in Queensland.’
The CMC has provided an issues paper which explains the current powers, their history and the nature the review.
Comments can be sent to:
CMC Review of Police Move-On Powers
GPO Box 3123, Brisbane Qld 4001
Email: moveonpowers@cmc.qld.gov.au
Fax: 3360 6333
The deadline for submissions is Friday 20 February 2009.
ENDS
