Warrant cards not always compulsory, police say

Police officers have been criticised for not displaying their badges. Photo: AP

The police force says officers do not always need to wear warrant badges, after criticism from protesters that many members of the force did not display any identification during recent demonstrations.



In a video and statement released on its social media channels, the police said the requirement to wear a warrant badge could be waived where doing so would affect the operation of the police force, endanger the safety of the officers concerned or when the requirements would be unreasonable.



Protesters have complained that the lack of warrant badges or other identification makes it difficult to file complaints against officers.