Police to prevent cognizable offences

Any police officer may step in and must, to the best of their ability, prevent the commission of any cognizable offence. The duty applies when they know or reasonably suspect a cognizable offence is going to be committed or is in progress. They should take reasonable lawful steps to stop it and protect people or property.

Ravi sees two men trying to force open a shop door late at night. A nearby police constable must intervene and take reasonable steps to stop the break-in and prevent the theft.