What authority does an officer have under the TPA regarding arrests?

An officer's authority under the Trespass to Property Act (TPA) is to arrest for all offences related to trespassing. This broad authority allows officers to take action when they encounter a situation where individuals are unlawfully present on private property or violating specific rules established under the TPA.

The rationale for allowing arrest for all offences under the TPA ensures that officers can effectively manage and enforce trespass laws to protect private property owners' rights and maintain public safety. This comprehensive power is crucial for enabling swift response to various trespassing scenarios, which can range from minor to serious infringements.

Understanding that this authority is not limited to minor offences or specific serious offences is key. While officers certainly have discretion in how they handle situations, the framework provided by the TPA extends their ability to address any level of trespassing violation through arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

Officers do have the ability to issue fines for certain offences, but this does not encompass the full range of actions allowed under the TPA, making the arrest authority paramount in their role as enforcers of the Act.