[Rev. 2012] National Police Service CAP. 84 49. General powers of police officers (1) Subject to Article 244 of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, a police officer may exercise such powers and shall perform such duties and functions as are by law imposed or conferred on or assigned to a police officer. (2) Where any duty, power or discretion is imposed or conferred by this Act or any other law on a police officer of any specified rank or holding any specified office, the police officer, shall, in the performance of such duty or the exercise of such power or discretion, and subject to the lawful orders and directions of any police officer to whom the police officer is directly subordinate, and any senior police officer, if the occasion arises where it is expedient to do so, perform any such duty or exercise any such power or discretion. (3) Police officers shall make a report of all daily occurrences and incidents encountered and make it available to their superior. (4) A police officer who performs an official duty or exercises police powers shall perform such duty or exercise such power in a manner that is lawful. (5) Where a police officer is authorized by law to use force, the officer shall do so in compliance with the guidelines set out in the Sixth Schedule. (6) Every police officer shall be competent to serve or execute any summons, warrant or other process whether directed to him or to any other officer. (7) The storage and use of information by any member of the Service shall be done in compliance with Article 31 of the Constitution, and all other relevant laws and regulations that apply. (8) The Inspector-General may make regulations on handling of information by the Service. (9) Matters of a personal nature and operational information in the possession of law enforcement officials shall be kept confidential, unless the performance of duty or the needs of justice strictly require otherwise. (10) A police officer shall respect the law, regulations and the Service Standing Orders, and to the best of their capability, prevent and oppose any violations of them. (11) A police officer who has reason to believe that a violation of the law has occurred or is about to occur shall report the matter to their superior authorities and, where necessary, to other appropriate authorities or organs vested with reviewing or remedial power. (12) No member of the Police shall be subjected to disciplinary hearings or other disadvantage based solely on the fact that he or she has lodged a complaint with or given evidence before or information to the Independent Police Oversight Authority or other authorities or organs vested with reviewing or remedial power. (13) A police officer who abuses any powers conferred by this Act commits an offence and is liable to disciplinary or criminal action and a person whose rights are violated by a police officer shall be entitled to redress and compensation upon the decision of a court, tribunal or other authority. N18 - 31 [Issue 1]