Police Powers

Police powers are legally prescribed measures which enable police officers to effectively and successfully perform their tasks.

Each police power represents a specific intervention in human rights and may thus only be used under the conditions prescribed by law and in the manner defined in the Rules on Police Powers.

When performing their tasks, police officers must act in accordance with the Constitution and laws and respect and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. They may only limit the aforementioned in those cases defined by the Constitution and the law. The majority of police powers are legally defined in the Police Act (general police powers). The Criminal Procedure Act (police powers in connection to the investigation of criminal offences), Minor Offences Act (police powers in procedures with minor offenders), Road Traffic Safety Act, National Border Control Act and other laws.

Most frequent police powers

Pursuant to the Police Act, a police officer may do the following while performing his/her tasks:

• issue warnings

• give orders

• establish a person's identity and carry out an identification procedure

• issue a summons

• conduct a security check

• issue a restraining order prohibiting a person from approaching a particular place or person

• apprehend, bring in and detain a person

• confiscate items

• enter a private residence and private premises

• make use of the nearest available transport and communications means

• apply covert police measures

• exercise other powers prescribed by law