One of the primary tasks of the police set out in the Police Act is the investigation of all crimes which come to their notice and wherever possible, to bring the perpetrators before the courts, together with all the relevant evidence. In undertaking their difficult task they have often found themselves criticised for the methods and techniques used in the interrogation of suspected persons both by the courts and the public. They are confronted with a number of safeguards which the laws provide to protect the citizens from arbitrary and coercive action by the State.
The Bar Association is concerned about numerous reports of Police acting outside of the law, depriving citizens not only of their constitutional and human rights. In this and the following column we will explore some of these concerns, including the physical conditions