Do you know your rights when you are suspected of a crime?
Here are some quick tips to staying safe and on the right side of the law:
- After identifying him or herself, a police officer may ask you to show your ID document and to give your full name and address. If the police officer can’t produce proof of identification, you do not need to provide any information. However, if the officer has shown you his or her identification, you have to provide your details.
- You are not required to answer any other questions. You have a Constitutional right to remain silent.
- The police may ask you to go to the police station to make a statement. You may refuse to do so. However, they may then decide to arrest you.
- There are circumstances in which the police can make an arrest without first getting a warrant, for instance if a crime is committed in their presence or if the officer reasonably suspects someone of committing a crime.
- Should you be arrested, the police needs to inform you why they are taking you into custody.
- If you are arrested and asked to give a statement, you only have to provide your full name and address. Remember: everything you say in your statement can be used against you in court. The police may not put pressure on you to make a statement by assaulting or torturing you.
- If you are a Scorpion Legal Protection policyholder, you may choose to give your statement in the presence of your attorney.
Date added: 26 February 2015