These same means are reportedly used to obtain information about suspects from family members. While the Government condemns these practices officially, they seldom prosecute police for such abuses. In June of 1997 the police in Arusha were charged with torturing 10 women detainees. Violence against women in Tanzania is widespread. Arbitrary arrest and detention by the police are also problems, even though the Criminal Procedure code, amended in 1985, requires that a person arrested for a crime, other than a national security charge, under the Preventive Detention Act, be charged by a magistrate within 24 hours.
Arbitrary arrests continue to occur, although less frequently than in the past.
Under the Preventive Detention Act, the President may order the arrest and indefinite detention without bail of any person considered a danger to public order or national security. In September 1997, police detained a prominent opposition politician for 6 days before releasing her. The People's Militia Laws give the Sungusungu quasilegal status. In the past, the Sungusungu were criticized for using excessive force with criminal suspects. Participation in the Sungusungu was compulsory prior to the 1995 election.