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Power of the Army to Arrest Without a Warrant

Last updated on Jun 15, 2022

An armed forces officer can arrest any person in a disturbed area without a warrant for:

  • Committing a cognizable offence; or
  • If there is a suspicion that a cognizable offence will be committed.

The officer can use force as required to effect the arrest.

When an army personnel arrests a civilian under this law, the law requires the army to hand over the person to the nearest police station immediately.

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