Powers of police to direct closure of places and concerning movement and evacuation
71 Powers of police to direct closure of places and concerning movement and evacuation
For the purpose of emergency management during an emergency situation or state of emergency, a police officer may direct the owner, occupier or the person apparently in charge of any place of business, worship or entertainment in the emergency area to close that place to the public for the period specified in the direction.
A direction under subsection (1) may be given in relation to a class of place.
Subject to subsection (3), during an emergency situation or state of emergency a police officer may exercise any of the powers of a hazard management officer under section 67 or an authorised officer under section 75(1)(i), as the case requires.
A police officer is not to exercise a power under subsection (2) in a manner that is contrary to or in conflict with —
a direction given to the police officer by the hazard management agency that made the emergency situation declaration or by the State Emergency Coordinator, as the case requires; or
the exercise of a power by a hazard management officer under section 67 or an authorised officer under section 75(1)(i), as the case requires.
When exercising powers under this section a police officer has all the immunities of a hazard management officer or authorised officer.
[Section 71 amended: No. 22 of 2012 s. 109; No. 11 of 2020 s. 7.]
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