The chief constable has defended planned new laws, saying they would give the police justified and necessary powers.
Mike Langdon, along with the home affairs minister and a former chief executive of the department, gave evidence to a House of Keys committee which is assessing a criminal justice bill.
The committee was set up to examine the 78-clause bill, which was thrown out last November.
Critics said it would hand much wider powers to the police and criminalise minor offences.
In his evidence, Mr Langdon defended various proposals, from search warrants to fixed penalties.
There had been criticism of clauses concerning young people in the Island, including a provision to arrest children aged 10 to 14.
Mr Langdon said in the most extreme cases, such as rape and arson, forensic opportunities could be lost if a child wasn't detained.
Another controversial clause would allow police to remove large groups of under 16s from areas where they were hanging out.
Mr Langdon said that would be a last resort when officers had tried and failed with other tactics.
He finished off by saying the aim was not to give the police excessive powers, but those which were justified and necessary.
The evidence was heard in the Legislative Council chamber.
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