Page 645 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

3. The release of the accused on bond: If there is not enough evidence or
grounds for reasonable suspicion against a criminal, the police are

allowed to release the suspected criminal on bond. The provisions in

Section 437 of the Code of Criminal Procedure help to ensure that the
law is followed.

4. Investigative functions: The police are supposed to collect evidence

and apprehend the culprit as a part of their investigation. The police are
allowed to question anyone they feel is related to the crime and any

person questioned is bound by law to be honest in such a situation.

Everyone participating in such a case must assist the police in their
work.

5. Interrogation: The cops are lawfully allowed to question offenders and
accused. They are also entitled to check the clothing and pockets of such

a person to ensure safety and security. This is known as frisking, and the
powers are contained in Section 52 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

However, the questioning should not be coercive.

6. Searching and Seizing: The police are allowed to search and seize a

person in a reasonable situation. It can be conducted with or without a
warrant but preferably with one as it guarantees more legal powers to

the police. The order must contain a reason for the search, location of

the search and period for which the hunt will be held.

7. Control of delinquency: The police has a vital role in controlling
juveniles as child welfare is a concern of the State. The police are

involved with misconduct during the preventive, trial and rehabilitation
stage. Voluntary organisations, juvenile courts and social welfare houses

are only there to assist the police since it is the lawful duty of the police

to take care of juvenile delinquency.

8. Identification: Other than regular functions like protecting the law and

life of people, the police also have to take care of identification and