Your Rights With Police

You can be stopped and searched if the police have a reasonable suspicion that you are in possession of controlled drugs.

Police can stop and question people whenever they wish. They are supposed to ask questions in order to decide whether or not grounds for a search exist.

If you are stopped, ask why and, at the end, ask for a record of the search.

If you give a satisfactory explanation for "suspicious" behavior that should, according to police codes of practice, make a search unnecessary.

your rights on arrest

you have the right:

to know why you have been arrested
to be treated fairly and with respect by the police
to see the written codes governing your rights and how you are treated
to speak to the custody officer
to have someone notified of your arrest (but not to make the phone call yourself)
to consult with a solicitor privately

right to remain silent

You do not have to say anything to the police, and you should not be intimidated into answering questions. You should request a lawyer to visit you in the police station as soon as possible. You might have to wait, but it's always free.

It's not a good idea to discuss the case with the police until you have spoken privately with your lawyer, who you should ask to be present when you are being interviewed.

lock up

You cannot be locked up indefinitely. The police can only keep you for a certain period of time - normally a maximum of 24 hours (36 hours for a serious offense).

The police can sometimes keep you isolated and waiting in the cell to 'soften you up'. Above all else, keep calm. Make sure you know why you've been arrested, and that the correct time for your arrest is on the custody record.