4(h) - Warrants & Remarks

There are a various number of warrant types that can be inputted into the Police computer. Below is a detailed explanation of each type, and when they should be used by officers.

Arrest Warrant

An arrest warrant is set on any individual who is believed to have committed a criminal offence. Based on the current Penal Code, you have to have a belief and not a suspicion to set an arrest warrant, so the supervisor setting this should have some strong evidence to indicate that the individual has committed the offence. Ensure you are abiding by Penal Code 3.4 when setting an arrest warrant. To avoid confusion with other warrant types, you should only use this when you have enough evidence to charge someone under 3.2 of the penal code.

Search Warrant

A search warrant is only required for properties which are inhabited by private individuals. A search warrant may only be issued for a property when the issuing Law Enforcement Officer reasonably believes that a crime has been committed and or is currently in the process of being committed on the property. Ensure you are abiding by Penal Code 3.5 when setting a search warrant.

Wanted for Questioning

A wanted for questioning warrant should be added when it is suspected they have committed an offence, and you want them to be questioned further about the offence. You only need suspicion to set this type of warrant, so an investigation is likely going to run coincide with this type of warrant. This will typically be used when lines of enquiry need to be followed up.

Car Stolen

A stolen car marker should be added when a vehicle has been stolen from a member of the public. These markers should automatically get applied to the vehicle when a vehicle is stolen, however, if a member of the public flags an officer down, then the officer can do it manually.

Remark

A remark can be added to a person's computer record with any useful information such as details about previous offences, discussions had with the person or lines of enquiry followed. A remark can essentially be used to cover anything an officer thinks is useful to have recorded on our system.

The main thing to remember is that you must prove beyond reasonable doubt that a person is guilty of an offence before charging them. Ensure that every investigation you conduct is done thoroughly and within policy. Refer to Penal Code 3.2 for guidance. Furthermore, it is just as important that if a warrant/remark is no longer required, it should be archived/deleted (whichever is appropriate) as soon as practicable.