Until now police have had the power to arrest only those suspected of committing an offence carrying a sentence of at least five years in prison.

The new law requires only that the police have reasonable grounds for believing that a person's arrest is necessary. This can include a suspect's refusal to give their name and address.

The changes are part of the Serious and Organised Crime Act 2005, which removes the distinction between "arrestable" and "non-arrestable" offences. Offences that have until now been non-arrestable include impersonating a police officer, not stopping a vehicle when ordered to do so and making or
selling an offensive weapon.

Police will in future be allowed to photograph suspects on the street where they have been arrested or issued with a fixed penalty notice, rather than back at a police station. "The introduction of a single rationalised power of arrest simplifies arrest powers," said Home Office minister Hazel Blears.
"These tough new powers make a significant contribution to creating a modern, efficient police service equipping frontline officers with the tools they need to fight modern crime effectively and keep our neighbourhoods safe."

COMMENT:
We campaigners, protesters and political activists have been getting increased harrassment off the police, for peaceful protests, just quietly handing out leaflets in the street, gathering at Gleneagles (G8), just carrying placards near to Parliament Square after leaving demo's elsewhere. Peace
protester Brian Haw has recently been in court end of 2005.
A 2005 Christmas Demo' would now in 2006 likely get me arrested for refusing to give my name and address.

 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/liverpool/2005/11/328673.html

STOP THE POLICE STATE!

STAY FREE - DEFY ID!

Have a happy 'police harrassment free' 2006