19 Feb 2026

Increasing citizen arrest powers a minefield of dangers, says Police Association

From Checkpoint, 5:12 pm on 19 February 2026

Plans to ramp up citizen's arrest powers are a minefield of potential dangers, including death, according to the Police Association. It is strongly opposed to some of the changes being suggested in the Crimes Amendment Bill. Among them, allowing ordinary citizens to use reasonable force and mechanical restraint during an arrest. Police Association president Senior Sergeant Steve Watt spoke to Lisa Owen.