As a Police Officer, you have to work within the legal system, which is procedures and processes for interpreting and enforcing the law. More specifically, they are involved in legal system functions, which is how the laws are enforced and the procedures surrounding this.
A legal system contains 2 types of legislation that hold different legal system functions:
National legislation - Is a law that applies to the whole nation. A legal system function for this is the use of a Court House. There are 3 different types of Court; Supreme Court, High Court and the District court. This courts are divided by the severity of the crime or breach of law. The Courts also hold another legal system function which is a judge, who is a person appointed to make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Local legislation - Is a law that applies to a specific area. This can be done through regional councils approaching the Government. Regional Councils act as a legal system function in this way. They are responsible for flood and pest control as well as many others. Another legal system function for this type of legislation is Territorial authorities. These groups are responsible for reserves, building consents, sewerage, and local regulations.
These are something that the Police need to be aware of. Some examples are demonstrated below:
National Legislation
Privacy Act 1993 - This is about respecting and protecting people's privacy. From this there are specific principles on the collection, use and disclosure of information as well as access by individuals to information. The Police need to follow this at all times, however there are some exceptions for example if they obtain a Search Warrant under the Search and Surveillance Act 2012.
Human Rights Act 1993 - This is aimed at providing everyone with equal opportunities and ensuring they are treated fairly and with respect. It outlines discrimination as unacceptable and describes it in regards to sex, religious belief, colour, disability, etc. It outlines 16 basic Human Rights that everyone has. These can only be breached if done so by law (e.g. Compulsary Mental Health Treatment Act). The Police are required to abide by this. One way they do this, is by reciting the basic rights to people they arrest.
Local Legislation
Hamilton Alcohol Control Bylaw 2015 - This controls where and when people in Hamilton can hold or consume alcohol. This was done to reduce alcohol related crime/harm and to provide a safer environment for the general public. This is something that the Hamilton Police enforce through fining those who are breaking this. When clubs and bars are open, the Police ensure they have an active presence within the community to monitor this.
Hamilton Traffic Bylaw 2015 - This acts as a way to protect the public from nuisance through the control of vehicular or other traffic. This Bylaw outlines unacceptable behaviors such as illegal parking, convoys or illegal car alterations. Police enforce this through regular motor patrols, where they issue fines for any breaches.