Protection from Harassment Act 1997

This page provides an overview of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 for police officers, helping them understand key sections of the law and how it applies in their duties.

Overview

The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 addresses offenses related to harassment, stalking, and behavior that causes fear or distress. It provides police with the authority to arrest individuals engaged in such behavior and issue restraining orders.

Key Powers under the Law

Police officers can arrest individuals for harassment or stalking, issue restraining orders, and take action to prevent repeated instances of harassment or threatening behavior.

Important Sections for Police Officers

• Section 2: Defines the offense of harassment and provides police with the power to arrest individuals engaged in repeated unwanted behavior.
• Section 4: Establishes the offense of putting someone in fear of violence through harassment.
• Section 5: Grants courts the ability to issue restraining orders to prevent harassment.

What You Can Do Under This Law

Police can arrest individuals engaged in harassment or stalking, issue restraining orders, and take proactive steps to prevent further instances of harassment or stalking behavior.

How to Request or Apply

Officers should:

• Step 1: Gather evidence of harassment, including witness statements, messages, or other proof of repeated unwanted behavior.
• Step 2: Arrest the suspect and apply for a restraining order to protect the victim from further harassment.