Section 174
Arrest of deserters and absentees without leave
A police officer may arrest any person whom he has reasonable cause to suspect of being an officer or serviceman of the regular forces who has deserted or is absent without leave.
(2)
Where no police officer is available, any officer or serviceman of the regular forces, or any other person, may arrest any person whom he has reasonable cause to suspect as aforesaid.
(3)
A magistrate or other person having authority to issue a warrant for the arrest of a person charged with crime, if satisfied by evidence on oath that that person is reasonably suspected of being, within his jurisdiction, an officer or serviceman of the regular forces who has deserted or is absent without leave, or is reasonably suspected of being absent without leave, may issue a warrant authorizing his arrest.
Armed Forces 157
(4)
Any person in custody in pursuance of this section shall, as soon as practicable and in any case within twenty-four hours
(excluding the time of any necessary journey) be produced before a magistrate.