If a police officer believes a person has contravened the TPA and refuses to provide their details, what can the officer do?

When a police officer believes that an individual has contravened the TPA (Traffic and Parking Authority) and that individual refuses to provide their details, the officer is authorized to arrest the person without warrant. This action is supported by the powers granted to the police under the law to ensure compliance, especially when identifying the individual is crucial to the enforcement of the law.

This authority is essential as it enables the officer to maintain public safety and enforce regulations effectively. The refusal to provide identification can hinder an officer's ability to address the situation appropriately, making it necessary for the officer to consider arrest as a means of obtaining that vital information for legal and administrative processes.

Other options may seem relevant, but they do not align with the appropriate legal framework or the officer’s obligations in enforcing the TPA. For example, issuing a fine typically requires the person's details to be known and recorded. Calling for backup might be a prudent action in certain circumstances, but it does not directly resolve the issue of not receiving the suspect's identification. Taking the person into custody may also imply a longer process and may not be justified in this specific context compared to the direct authority to arrest for noncompliance. Thus, the appropriate and lawful response in this scenario is to arrest the