ABSTRACT
An arrest may now be defined as the lawful deprivation of a citizen s liberty, exercised in what ever degree is reasonably necessary in order to assist in the investigation of an alleged crime, or ensure that the accused is brought before a court, or to preserve the safety of the accused or others or their property, or to be finger-printed. Prior to the passing of PACE an arrest was simply a means to bring a suspect to court but there are provisions under ss25 and 27 of the Act that now enable a constable to arrest for other reasons.
