What authority does section 88 of LEPRA 2002 grant to police officers?

Section 88 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA) empowers police officers to establish crime scenes and exercise relevant powers associated with that action. This section is significant as it provides officers the authority to cordon off an area to preserve evidence, ensuring that a thorough investigation can take place and that any potential evidence is not compromised.

By setting up a crime scene, police can maintain the integrity of the area where a crime has occurred, which is critical for gathering evidence and conducting ensuing investigations effectively. Furthermore, once a crime scene is established, officers are endowed with specific powers to manage the scene, which may include conducting searches within that area, making it a vital tool in crime investigation procedures.

The other options do not align with the specific provisions of section 88. For instance, while police can issue fines and conduct searches, these actions are governed by other sections of LEPRA, which outline separate criteria and conditions under which they can be performed.