

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.
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Stay calm, be polite and cooperate.
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Do not abuse, threaten, resist or touch a police officer.
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Follow their instructions.
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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.
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If they say yes, tell them you do not consent and answer the question truthfully.
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Repeat the above for every question they ask.
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If the police say you don’t have to answer then say “No comment.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tell them you would like them to leave.
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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.
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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
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Generally speaking you don’t have to communicate with the police.
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If you want to communicate with them, get their email address.
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Avoid verbal conversations wherever possible because they are unverifiable.
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If you are unsure, get Legal Advice.
Police interviews
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If the police want to interview you, ask them if you can refuse.
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If they say no, tell them you do not consent and follow their instructions.
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Every time they ask you a question, ask whether you have to answer.
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Do not sign any statement unless you agree that it is what you said.
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Police searches
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If the police ask to search you, ask them if you are allowed to refuse.
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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
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Police harassment is preventable.
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If possible, always film the police.
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Stand up for your rights.
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Practice being firm and polite.
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Learn when you must interact with the police.
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Learn when you can ignore them.
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Learn when you can tell them to leave you alone.
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Do not break the law.
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Do not give the police an opportunity to harass you.
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Get Legal Advice to find out what you can do to stop the police harassing you.