Background & Purpose
Authorities have needed better ways to investigate crimes committed by children under the age of criminal responsibility. This change aims to close gaps in the legal process when young individuals are involved in criminal activity.
The Decision
The parliament decided to grant police expanded powers to use investigative tools, such as searches and biometric data collection, on children under 15 to ensure crimes can be properly investigated.
Does this affect you?
- Police officers: They receive clearer legal authority to use specific investigative tools when dealing with young suspects.
- Children under 15: They may be subject to more intrusive investigative measures, such as biometric data collection or body searches, if suspected of a crime.
In Practice
- Police can use tools like property seizure, house searches, and body searches on children under 15 in more situations.
- Biometric data, such as fingerprints or photos, can be collected from children under 15 more frequently.
- Police gain the authority to keep a group of people at a crime scene to identify them.
- New rules are established for using investigative tools if a closed case is reopened for review.