Citizen's arrest law widened to all Crimes Act offences

Parliament has passed the Crimes Amendment Bill, expanding citizen's arrest to any offence under the Crimes Act 1961, at any time. The old law limited arrests to certain offences and, under section 36, night-time only. Restraints may be used when reasonable, and Police must be contacted as soon as practicable. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the changes take effect within a week.