What does section 21 of LEPRA 2002 empower police to do?

Section 21 of the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (LEPRA) specifically empowers police to conduct searches of a person without a warrant under certain circumstances. This provision is designed to enable police to lawfully search individuals in situations where they believe it is necessary to locate evidence of a crime, ensure public safety, or prevent unlawful behavior. The ability to search without a warrant is typically restricted to specific conditions, like when police have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is carrying items related to an offence or weapons.

This power is essential to police operations as it allows for swift action in situations where waiting for a warrant could impede the investigation or pose safety risks to officers or the public.