Interacting with Police

If you are stopped by the police at a beat for any reason:

Be cooperative, do not act in a disorderly fashion, resist arrest or be abusive towards them.
Police have the right to ask you for your name and address if they reasonably believe you have broken the law (or are about to) and in other limited circumstances.
Police have the right to stop, search and detain you without a warrant if they reasonably believe you have committed (or are about to commit) a serious offence such as an assault, robbery, drug dealing or possession.
Police have the right to ask you for your licence if you are driving or sitting in a car.
You have the right to ask the police why they are questioning you.
You have the right to ask the police for their name or number, rank and station, if they are questioning you.
You are not obliged to answer their questions (apart from name and address), or to give a statement or participate in an interview.
Police cannot insist that you go with them to a police station if you are not under arrest.
You can maintain your right to silence.
You have the right to request legal advice.
Police will always consider bail. If bail is refused you will be presented to a magistrate at the earliest opportunity.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly or discriminated against by police you can make an official complaint to the relevant authorities.


	Interacting with Police If you are stopped by the police at a beat for any reason: Be cooperative, do not act in a disorderly fashion, resist arrest or be abusive towards them. Police have the right to ask you for your name and address if they reasonably believe you have broken the law (or are about to) and in other limited circumstances. Police have the right to stop, search and detain you without a warrant if they reasonably believe you have committed (or are about to commit) a serious offence such as an assault, robbery, drug dealing or possession. Police have the right to ask you for your licence if you are driving or sitting in a car. You have the right to ask the police why they are questioning you. You have the right to ask the police for their name or number, rank and station, if they are questioning you. You are not obliged to answer their questions (apart from name and address), or to give a statement or participate in an interview. Police cannot insist that you go with them to a police station if you are not under arrest. You can maintain your right to silence. You have the right to request legal advice. Police will always consider bail. If bail is refused you will be presented to a magistrate at the earliest opportunity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly or discriminated against by police you can make an official complaint to the relevant authorities.