Section 11A: Duties and powers of police officers

11A. Duties and powers of police officers (1) The police shall act with diligence in any case where an offence under this Act is reported to it. (2) Where a report is made to a police station – (a) by a victim of an act of domestic violence, an Enforcement Officer or another person, that an act of domestic violence has been, is being or is likely to be committed against the victim; or (b) by an aggrieved spouse, an Enforcement Officer or another person, that the respondent spouse has failed to comply with any domestic violence order, the officer in charge of the police station shall cause the circumstances of the offence to be enquired into. (3) Where an offence is reported pursuant to subsection (2), a police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent may, where – (a) physical injury has ensued; or (b) he has reason to suspect that a person has failed to comply with any domestic violence order, cause the person to be arrested and brought before a Magistrate at the earliest opportunity. Acts 2016 111 (4) (a) A police officer to whom an offence under this Act is reported shall, notwithstanding the enquiry to be made under subsection (2), report the matter forthwith – (i) to the nearest hospital or other medical institution, where the victim of the offence is in urgent need of medical assistance; (ii) to the Permanent Secretary, where the victim of the offence is in urgent need of counselling or any other form of psychological support. (b) Where the matter is reported to the Permanent Secretary under paragraph (a), he shall forthwith arrange for the victim of the offence to consult a psychologist or other suitable person for counselling or such other support as may be required.