What legislation governs the powers and functions of New South Wales Police?

The Police Act 1990 (NSW) is a foundational piece of legislation that outlines the structure, functions, and powers of the New South Wales Police Force. It establishes the legal framework under which police officers operate, detailing aspects such as their roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines. This Act is crucial for understanding the governance of police activities and the conduct expected from law enforcement in New South Wales.

While other legislation like the Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) and the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 (NSW) do play significant roles in the broader context of criminal law and police powers, they focus on specific areas such as legal procedures in criminal cases and specific powers and responsibilities of law enforcement officers, respectively. The Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) deals with rules governing the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings and is not primarily focused on the governance of police functions.

Thus, the Police Act 1990 (NSW) is the correct legislation that comprehensively addresses the overarching powers and functions of the New South Wales Police Force.