Wasting police time

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Wasting police time is listed as a criminal offence in many Commonwealth countries.

United Kingdom

In England and Wales, one can be charged with the offence under Section 5(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1967 when one "causes any wasteful employment of the police" by "knowingly making to any person a false report" which: The offence carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment and/or a fine. Less serious cases may result in a penalty notice for disorder of £80 for persons aged 16 or over and £40 for younger offenders. The same applies to Northern Ireland according to Section 5(3) of the Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967. For Scotland the High Court of Justiciary stated in Kerr v. Hill that giving false information to the police constitutes a crime under common law.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, one can be charged under Section 24 of the Summary Offences Act 1981 for committing either of the following acts: A person convicted under this section may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three months, or a fine of up to NZ$2000.

Canada

In Canada, the offence (known as public mischief) is defined by section 140 of the Criminal Code:

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