Legal help

Know Your Rights!

Police have to adhere to codes of practice. These are available to anyone and can be found in libraries and police stations, anyone questioned by the police has the right to read this.

If a police officer stops you in the street you are entitled to know their name and the police station they work at. You are also entitled to know why you are being stopped, it is not acceptable for this to be simply because of your skin colour, clothing, hairstyle or the fact that you might have been in trouble before.

Strictly speaking you do not have to answer questions about name and address, however someone who refuses may find themselves being arrested if the officer thinks they have something to hide.

If you are suspected of anti-social behaviour, committing a crime (or about to) or carrying illegal substances and / or a weapon of some kind then you must give your name and address. You do not have to answer any further questions until you have received legal advice.

The police do not have the right to stop and search you or the car in which you are travailing. Unless you are arrested or they suspect that you are caring illegal drugs, stolen goods, weapons, or anything that could be used for theft, burglary, deception, joy riding or the hunting / poaching of animals.

Any search done that involves more then the removing of outer clothing should be done by a member of the same sex and in the privacy of a police van or police station.

If you or the vehicle you are travelling in is searched the officer before hand should state why the search is taking place and what they expect to find. You have every right to ask for an explanation if this has not been made clear.

If the police search you illegally, they are committing an assault. But  if they have good reason, and you refuse to help, you can be charged with obstruction.

When the police make an arrest, they are talking the person under the care and control of the law. If you are arrested you are entitled to know the reason for your arrest, see a solicitor, have someone told where you are and read a copy of the codes of practice.

If you are under 17 years of age the police should not interview you unless your parent or an appropriate adult is present. an appropriate adult is someone who knows you such as an adult friend or teacher.

Police Discipline

Police officers must obey both the law of the land, and their own code of discipline. This discipline code is broken if an officer...

• Unreasonably neglects their duty
• Makes a false written or spoken statement
• Misuses their authority e.g. though unnecessary violence
• Is rude or abusive
• Is racially discriminatory