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DEALING WITH THE POLICE

Justice Matters is unable to provide legal advice; this information is for general purposes only. You should seek Legal Advice in relation to your individual matter.

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General tips 

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  • If possible, always film the police.
     

  • Stay calm, be polite and cooperate.
     

  • Do not abuse, threaten, resist or touch a police officer.
     

  • Follow their instructions.
     

  • Call them ‘Officer’.

 

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Answering police’ questions

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  • If the police ask you a question ask them whether you have to answer. 
     

  • If they say yes, tell them you do not consent and answer the question truthfully.
     

  • Repeat the above for every question they ask.
     

  • If the police say you don’t have to answer then say “No comment.”
     

  • There is no such thing as an off the record conversation with the police.

 

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If stopped by the police

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  • Ask them why they have stopped you and whether you are free to go.
     

  • If they say no, tell them you do not consent and follow their instructions.

 

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If they want to take you to a police station

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  • Ask them why you have to go to a police station and whether you are free to go.
     

  • If they say no, tell them you do not consent and follow their instructions.

 

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If police come to your home

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  • Tell them they do not have your permission to enter your property.
     

  • Tell them you would like them to leave.
     

  • If they say no, tell them you do not consent and follow their instructions.

 

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If the police phone you

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  • Do not answer private numbers.
     

  • If someone calls claiming to be a police officer tell them you don’t know who they are and hang up.

 

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Communicating with police
 

  • Generally speaking you don’t have to communicate with the police.
     

  • If you want to communicate with them, get their email address.
     

  • Avoid verbal conversations wherever possible because they are unverifiable.
     

  • If you are unsure, get Legal Advice.


 

Police interviews
 

  • If the police want to interview you, ask them if you can refuse.
     

  • If they say no, tell them you do not consent and follow their instructions.
     

  • Every time they ask you a question, ask whether you have to answer.
     

  • Do not sign any statement unless you agree that it is what you said.

 

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Police searches
 

  • If the police ask to search you, ask them if you are allowed to refuse.
     

  • If they say no, tell them you do not consent and follow their instructions.

 

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If you are being harassed by the police
 

  • Police harassment is preventable.
     

  • If possible, always film the police.
     

  • Stand up for your rights.
     

  • Practice being firm and polite.
     

  • Learn when you must interact with the police.
     

  • Learn when you can ignore them.
     

  • Learn when you can tell them to leave you alone.
     

  • Do not break the law.
     

  • Do not give the police an opportunity to harass you.
     

  • Get Legal Advice to find out what you can do to stop the police harassing you.

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