The act is designed to give police officers the necessary tools to prevent crime and to safeguard citizens against the abuse of police powers. The act contains provisions on stop and search powers of the police and detention, but critics of the act indicate the need for external review of police procedures and for provisions that specifically address police openness and accountability. The community should have the right to inspect its own police stations, and police departments should be accountable to elected community representatives. In the community context, the notion of accountability brings into focus the question of complaints against the police. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act establishes a Police Complaints Authority, but this authority may not be independent enough to foster public confidence in the police. In addition, the act should go further in encouraging community involvement in policing policies and operations. Costs of implementing the act are examined in relation to its focus on crime causes. 12 notes