POLICE will be allowed “to take control of and use any building, premises or place or vehicle, vessel, or conveyance of any kind on land or water” during a natural disaster.
Any person who obstructs officers will face a 10-year jail term or a $100,000 fine while a company will cop a $500,000 fine.
This is stated in the draft Police Bill 2020 that is now open for public submissions.
“It shall be the lawful duty of any person in charge or control of any such building, premises or place or vehicle, vessel, or conveyance of any kind on land or water to give unrestricted access and control of such building, premises or place or vehicle, vessel, or conveyance of any kind on land or water to such police officer.”
The Commissioner of Police will also have the powers to authorise police to take control of and use any aircraft or any other type of aerial transportation or device during a natural disaster.
“Any person who does not comply with the provisions of this section commits an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or both.
“In case of a corporate body, a fine not exceeding $500,000.
“A police employee shall not be held liable for any damage to any building, premises or place or vehicle, vessel, craft or conveyance of any kind or damage to any property in such building, premises or place or vehicle, vessel, craft or conveyance of any kind.”
