Arguments Against Additional Police Powers

Victoria police should be granted additional powers to stop and search people and to move them on.

In every society there is a struggle of give and take between the desire to live free from intrusions and invasions of privacy, yet still be safe and protected from physical harm. Police powers to search and move on individuals are an issue at the centre of this problem and finding the perfect balance seems near impossible. Complete freedom to move without regulation or restriction is a precursor to anarchy however invasive and over the top powers will compromise freedoms in a negative manner.
The introduction of additional police powers to search and move on individuals and groups will greatly increase prevention of violence, particularly those involving weapons, use of illegal substances and group related crimes such as bashing and rape. Assault offences increased by approximately 7.4% from 2007 to 2009 illustrating that violence is a disease of society that needs prevention to act as the cure. A major implication of additional police powers will be the ability to search and seize weapons more freely, which will combat the 23.3% increase of rifle related assault that occurred across 2007 to 2009.
A prime focus area where police will be inclined to exert proposed additional powers will be city areas, particularly on Friday
There should be no distinction between the importance of a sense of safety among citizens and among police, they also have the right to feel safe which is hindered when individuals are in an altered state due to drugs or carrying weapons. With the invasion to privacy argument in mind, perspective on the issue must be kept; imaginations should not run wild in relation to the conduct and frequency of police searches. The idea of every person being searched and lives being regularly interrupted is