Wasting police time

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:

Shows that a criminal offence has been committed,

Creates apprehension for the safety of any persons or property, or

Indicates that they have information material to any police inquiry.

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 under 16 years old persons.

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:

Making, or causing to be made, to a police employee any allegation of an offence "contrary to the fact and without a belief in the truth of the statement".

Creating serious apprehension for the safety of any person or property (whether by statement or behaviour), either with the intention of causing wasteful employment or diversion of police resources, or being reckless as to that result.

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 is defined by section 140 of the Criminal Code:

140. (1) Every one commits public mischief who, with intent to mislead, causes a peace officer to enter on or continue an investigation by (2) Every one who commits public mischief