About Eric Frank Expertise Ex police detective with 15 years recent experience in the criminal law. Can assist with questions as to how it affects victims and persons suspected of crime. Can also assist as to whether a criminal prosecution is the best or most effective method to pursue. Experienced in Criminal court procedure.
Please note: 99% of the questions I am asked result in the same answer: GET A LAWYER. Trust me on this, if I was in danger of losing my liberty, I would not be looking for advice on the internet, I would GET A LAWYER!
Expert: Eric Frank Date: 2/22/2001 Subject: police and criminal evidence act 1984
Question The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 includes a number of measures to ensure the protection of the rights of suspects held in detention at a police station. These measures ensure that it is impossible for the police to coerce a suspect into wrongfully confessing to a crime. What is your opinion on this?
Answer In general terms you are correct, howver there is nothing in the act that prevents a suspect, for reasons known only to him/herself from confessing to a crime he/she did not commit.
The main practical drawback of the act as far as my personal experience was concerned, was the custody time limit of 24 hours imposed on the detention of the suspect. This effectively meant that suspects were released on bail to ensure that the limit was not overstepped, in some cases people that had no business being 'back on the street' were able to commit further crimes and possibly interfere with victims, witnesses or evidence.
Apart from the above, I had no quarrel with any of the provisions of the act.
