The book in principle analyses the time before an arrest is carried out; the time and manner of the arrest; and the events that follow the arrest. The book discusses the Miranda rule that guarantees that persons detained by police will not be interrogated in a way that places them at a disadvantage. The book also explores the aspect of searches on people’s property; how and when these searches should be conducted in accordance with the law.
The book demystifies the highly volatile discussion of use of reasonable force while carrying out arrests. It lays out the threshold of what amounts to reasonable force and envisages circumstances where force is necessary to effect and arrest. The book also sheds light on the fundamental presumption of innocence and how this presumption should ordinarily be treated. Consequently, the book highlights the abuses that have and can be occasioned following the disregard or misunderstanding of this notion. The book reviews the principle of preventive arrest in light of human rights and its use as a tool of oppression.
The book also labours to demystify the difference between the different armed groups in the country. It majorly indicates the difference between the police and the army and how their roles are different. It postulates the instances where this thin line of difference has been overstepped by either group and how catastrophic this action has proven to be overtime. It elaborates on the Posse Comitatus principle that argues against any military intrusion into civilian affairs. The book also tries to put into perspective the different groups being formed and revived in the country in the guise of maintaining law, peace and order. These groups include the Local Defence Units, Crime preventers and the like. The book attempts to place them under the different laws promulgated for the governance of the people of Uganda.
The book also concerns itself with the aspect of obtaining confessions and admissions from arrested persons for purposes of presenting the same as evidence before courts of law. There have been instances where arrested persons have been coerced into confessions which have led to false imprisonments. The book also discusses aspects of finding no case against arrested people and the notion of nolle proseque; and the aspect of compensation for the people that have been falsely convicted or wrongfully arrested.
The book discusses the issue of liability for police brutality. It discusses the vicarious liability of the Government in civil proceedings as master and employer of police officers for acts of police officers done within the course of duty. The book also considers personal liability of Police officers for their reckless acts in law enforcement and the possibility of the Police opening up investigations and commencing criminal proceedings against its officers.
As a bonus, the book briefly discusses part of civil law that is relevant to the issues enunciated above.