Commentary on Sections Section 6 to 17 – Stalking Protection Orders Section 17 – Guidance
This section provides that the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland must issue guidance about the effect of the Act; such other matters as the Department considers appropriate as to the criminal law or procedure relating to stalking in Northern Ireland and the exercise of the Chief Constable’s functions under the provisions of this Act relating to stalking protection orders or interim stalking protection orders.
A person exercising public functions to whom the guidance relates must have regard to it in the exercise of those functions and the Department must keep any issued guidance about stalking, under this section, under review and revise that guidance as necessary in light of review. Finally, the guidance (including any revised guidance) must be laid before the Assembly.