The Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan confirmed on Sunday that the police have not issued special cards authorizing citizens in Muharraq or other areas to arrest vandals and hold them until police arrive.
He said that the Bahrain police operate within the law and that such cards are not legally permitted.
The Chief stated that criminal procedures are handled by the authorities. Investigations and the arrest of criminals are inherent duties of the police. He highlighted article 58 of the criminal procedure law that states that anyone who witnesses a criminal committing a crime can hold him until the nearest policeman arrives. In this circumstance, there is no need for an arrest warrant because the criminal was caught “red handed.”
The Chief added that the protection of public utilities is the responsibility of guards; either policemen or those hired by private security companies and who are trained to handle those duties. He said that anyone with a complaint regarding security procedures should submit their complaints to the appropriate governorate or the nearest police station.
He stressed that citizens play a very important role in assisting the police by cooperating and providing information about incidents in their community.
He said that cooperation with the police includes reporting crimes and acting as witnesses to criminal activity that they observe. Citizens are obliged under article 47 of the criminal procedure code which states that anyone who is aware of a crime should report it to the police or to the Public Prosecution.