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Prosecution

The reports of offences made to police by the public, range from traffic infringements, family violence, serious crimes such as assaults, stealing, armed robbery and traffic crashes.

In carrying out their duties, police officers also detect offences being committed, for example:

• Breathalyser offences;
• Anti-social behaviour;
• Traffic offences; and
• General crimes which require intervention by police.

Minor offences may be dealt with by police giving a caution or proceeding by summons or an infringement notice (on-the-spot-fine). In the case of juvenile offenders, diversionary conferencing may be used.

For more serious breaches of the law, police have been given by Parliament, powers of arrest. Police can arrest and detain a person until bailed by either police or a magistrate.

In all circumstances where an offence has been committed and a police officer intends to take action by summons or arrest, it is the responsibility of police officers to inform the person that this process has been put in place and that it may lead to prosecution.

The Prosecution Section prepares and prosecutes police cases in Courts of Petty Sessions and in some instances, decides whether proceedings should be instigated or discontinued.

Legal expertise is required to ensure procedures are correctly followed for successful prosecution of cases by Police Prosecutors who appear on behalf of the police officer making the complaint or charge against the defendant.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in higher courts.

For further information, please contact:

Prosecution Services

37-43 Liverpool Street

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone (03) 6230 2458