What does the Police Act 1990 offer in terms of legal protection?

The Police Act 1990 provides legal protection from personal liability to police officers in the course of their duties. This means that if officers act in good faith while exercising their police powers, they are shielded from being personally held liable for any actions taken during their official duties. Such protection is crucial as it allows law enforcement personnel to perform their responsibilities without the fear of facing personal lawsuits for decisions made in the heat of the moment or while trying to maintain public order.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the provisions of the Police Act 1990. Protection from arrest while on duty is not a stipulation of the Act; rather, officers must adhere to the law and can be held accountable for misconduct. Furthermore, protection against public scrutiny is not guaranteed under the Act, as police conduct is generally subject to public oversight and accountability. Lastly, while undercover operations might involve certain protections, the Act does not limit its protections specifically to those scenarios, making the assertion that it only applies in such cases misleading. Thus, the focus on personal liability clearly delineates the intent of the Police Act 1990 in fostering a supportive environment for police duties.