What is the primary piece of legislation governing police powers in New South Wales?

The primary piece of legislation governing police powers in New South Wales is the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002. This Act is crucial as it outlines the powers and responsibilities granted to police officers, including arrest, search and seizure, and the use of force, among other areas. It serves to ensure that police powers are exercised within a legal framework that protects the rights of individuals while allowing law enforcement to carry out their duties effectively.

The significance of this legislation is that it provides a comprehensive set of guidelines intended to strike a balance between maintaining public safety and upholding civil liberties. Other pieces of legislation like the Crimes Act 1900, Police Services Act 1990, and Summary Offenses Act 1988 address various aspects of criminal law or administrative functions but do not specifically focus on the detailed powers and limitations of police conduct in the manner that the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act does.