By Xinhua,
Wellington : The New Zealand government intended to introduce a Bill this year to strengthen police search and surveillance powers, Radio New Zealand reported on Sunday.
Justice Minister Annette King announced the move at a conference on victims’ rights organized by the Sensible Sentencing Trust in Wellington on Saturday.
She said the law will be updated so computers may be searched and electronic data seized when a search is authorized.
King said new powers will be introduced, including the ability to search people, places or vehicles on arrest, and the extent to which police can search without a warrant will be clarified.
She said many of the laws governing police investigative powers are outdated and complex, and the bill will give the police and other agencies greater tools.
King also announced the government is drafting a bill aimed at removing the stress of the legal aid system for victims.
She said the bill will enable the Legal Services Agency to write off legal aid debt for victims at the time the aid is granted.