Public can make a citizen arrest if they see someone breaking the law – DPC Raikaci

The public can make a citizen arrest if they see someone breaking the law, but taking the law into their own hands is wrong.

This is the advice shared by Deputy Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci when questioned on Viti FM Vakaribamalamala if it is right for a citizen to beat up someone who is using children to traffic drugs.

DPC Raikaci says the law states that corporal punishment, assault or causing grievous harm to people is wrong.

He says if people see someone selling drugs or breaking the law, they have the right to make a citizen arrest, even though the person is not a Police Officer.

He adds after arresting the suspect, the person should call the nearest Police Station for Police Officers to come and take the person into custody.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police stressed that using physical punishment is illegal by law.