Premier says passed Police Act is “safer, more modern”

(JTV News) — The controversial Police Action was amended and passed by legislators in the House of Assembly on March 9.

Premier Natalio Wheatley described the bill, which was previously withdrawn, as more modern and safe.

The amended legislation states that consent must now be given to take or record intimate samples.

Premier Wheatley said in the event where a person refuses to consent to the taking of his or her intimate sample, a member of the [police] force may take an intimate sample without the consent of such person after obtaining an order providing for an intimate sample to be taken, signed by a magistrate or a judge of the High Court.

He further explained that this request to the court must be made in writing by a member of the police force.

It should state the nature of the offence being investigated and details about the grounds for believing that the person from whom the intimate sample is sought is involved in an arrestable offence.

The Premier said the written request must also state how the officer making the request believes that the intimate sample will prove or disprove the involvement of the person from whom the intimate sample is sought in the arrestable offence being investigated.

The amended Police Act also states, according to the premier, that an intimate sample shall not be taken from a child unless consent has been obtained from the parent or guardian of that child or an order of the court authorising the taking of a sample from the child is obtained.