Which section of the POA allows for Arrest without Warrant?

Section 145 of the Provincial Offences Act (POA) allows for the arrest without a warrant under specific circumstances. This section provides authority to peace officers to arrest individuals who are committing or have committed an offense under the act, particularly when they believe the individual will not attend court voluntarily or when there is a potential risk to public safety or the integrity of the judicial process.

The provision is essential because it empowers law enforcement to act swiftly in situations where immediacy is necessary to uphold the law and maintain order. The ability to arrest without a warrant helps ensure compliance with regulations and can prevent further offenses or the escalation of potentially dangerous situations.

In practice, this means that law enforcement officers have the ability to intervene when they observe a violation occurring or when they have reasonable grounds to believe that an individual will evade justice by not appearing in court. This creates a mechanism for proactive policing and emphasizes the importance of addressing offenses effectively to protect the community.