Aussie cops new powers to issue fines for swearing

Editor’s note: Holy Shit.

By Anna Caldwell


Thousands of people could be slapped with fines for offences that would never have attracted police attention in the
past under sweeping reforms to police powers.

Experts fear swearing in public, with a fine of $100, will be a major
money spinner and could become the weapon of choice for frustrated officers on the beat.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced the new powers for the state’s police to issue on-the-spot notices for
public nuisance offences.

Ms Bligh said the move would increase efficiency, save time and fast-track more important matters in the
courts by stopping minor public nuisance offenders from clogging the
justice system.

She said the measures, targeting offences such as public urination, disorderly conduct and abusive language, would save the Government between $18 million and $30 million.

The power to issue on-the-spot fines of between $100 and $300 could result in public nuisance prosecutions soaring 20 per cent, based on figures from a 12-month trial in South Brisbane and Townsville.

In 2008-2009 terms, that could see 5500 more people slapped with the offence across Queensland each year.

Ms Bligh said it was hard to estimate if the 20 per cent increase would hold true right across the
state.

She attributed it to police having more time "on the beat" because the on-the-spot powers saved hours compared to the time spent
processing an arrest.

But an evaluation of the trial by Griffith University said evidence existed that, given on-the-spot powers, police
were more likely to issue tickets in situations unlikely to be
considered criminal before the courts.

The NSW Ombudsman said the problem particularly concerned police fining people for swearing,
saying: "The words spoken would not be considered offensive if the
matter was to be determined by a court."

Queensland Council of Civil Liberties president Michael Cope said the powers were a concern
when it came to offensive language and would see public nuisance offence
rates soar.

"This will become the thing police just slap on someone whenever they aren't happy," Mr Cope said. "No one will fight
them and ultimately people who are homeless or young will bear the brunt
of this."

Trial figures showed 1 per cent of those charged had appealed.

Police Minister Neil Roberts said inappropriate behaviour in public places was not acceptable and would not be
tolerated.

The legislation will be introduced to Parliament later this year, with the new powers to take effect by 2011.




http://www.puppetgov.com/2010/06/16/aussie-cops-new-powers-to-issue...

Views: 35

Comment

You need to be a member of 12160 Social Network to add comments!

Join 12160 Social Network

"Destroying the New World Order"

TOP CONTENT THIS WEEK

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE SITE!

mobile page

12160.info/m

12160 Administrators

 

Latest Activity

Olivia Brooks updated their profile
1 hour ago
kacang99 updated their profile
2 hours ago
John Miller was featured
4 hours ago
tjdavis's 2 blog posts were featured
4 hours ago
Zfort Group's blog post was featured
4 hours ago
Doc Vega's 6 blog posts were featured
4 hours ago
Burbia commented on tjdavis's video
Thumbnail

“What’s His Motive?” - Inside The Mind of George Soros

"Trump calls for George Soros and son to face federal…"
9 hours ago
Burbia commented on tjdavis's photo
9 hours ago
Profile Iconkacang99, Seeta Sathe and Olivia Brooks joined 12160 Social Network
9 hours ago
tjdavis posted a video

Mossad, Terrifying CIA Technology, Blackwater & The Most Secret CIA Unit | John Kiriakou

John Kiriakou served 15 years in the CIA as a Case Officer (Spy) and as CIA's Head of Counterterrorism Operations in Pakistan where he lead the raid that cap...
18 hours ago
tjdavis posted a photo
18 hours ago
tjdavis posted a video

A Critique of the Tavistock Institute - The Mother Of All Conspiracy Theories

An examination of the Tavistock Institute, a theory which seeks to explain how Western societies have been brainwashed by a cabal of social scientists and th...
Sunday
tjdavis posted a video

“What’s His Motive?” - Inside The Mind of George Soros

In this short clip, Patrick Bet-David, Sebastian Gorka Adam Sosnick, and Tom Ellsworth George Soros and what motivates him to do the things he does. FaceTime...
Thursday
Doc Vega posted blog posts
Wednesday
cheeki kea favorited Bob of the Family Renner's photo
Aug 26
cheeki kea commented on Doc Vega's blog post Plausible Explanation Behind Recent Cryptid Sightings in the Wild!
"If you're ever out there Doc V and notice giant two legged birds roaming the wilderness be…"
Aug 26
Doc Vega posted blog posts
Aug 26
Burbia commented on TommyD's group The Chuckle Hut
Aug 25
Doc Vega posted blog posts
Aug 24
Doc Vega posted photos
Aug 23

© 2025   Created by truth.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

content and site copyright 12160.info 2007-2019 - all rights reserved. unless otherwise noted