National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What authority does S50 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act grant?

1. Power to arrest suspects

2. Power to seize and sift evidence

3. Power to negotiate plea deals

4. Power to conduct interviews with witnesses

The correct answer is: Power to seize and sift evidence

S50 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act provides law enforcement with the authority to seize and sift through evidence during investigations. This power is crucial because it allows investigators to collect relevant information that may be critical in building a case. The provision ensures that officers can act to prevent the destruction of evidence and maintain its integrity for prosecution purposes. The act is designed to streamline the process of dealing with evidence, making it easier for police officers to perform their duties effectively. This authority is particularly important in maintaining the chain of custody and ensuring that all obtained evidence is handled in compliance with legal standards. The other choices relate to different aspects of police work but do not accurately reflect the specific authority granted under S50. Power to arrest suspects typically falls under different legal statutes. Negotiating plea deals is a function typically associated with prosecutors, not law enforcement officers, while conducting interviews with witnesses falls within general investigative procedures rather than the specific authority related to evidence as outlined in S50.