POLICE AND YOUR RIGHT (part 1)

1. POLICE STOPS YOU

    1.1 Not in uniform, ask for identification

          Say: "Please, show me your Police authority card".

    1.2 Police authority card

          Red : Suspended Police Officer. He has no authority to do anything to 

                    you. Walk away.

          Other colours:

          • Blue : Rank of Inspector and above

          • Yellow : Below the rank of Inspector

          • White : Reserve police

          *Note his name and ID number

    1.3 In uniform

          *Note his name and ID number on his uniform.

    1.4 Police vehicle

          *Note the number plate of the patrol car or motorcycle.

2. POLICE QUESTION YOU WHEN STOPPED

    2.1 Your identification

          Only give your name, ID card number and address.

    2.2 The police ask other questions

          Politely ask "Am I under arrest?"

    2.3 When you are under arrest

          You are arrested if the police:

          • tells you "yes";

          • does not allow you to leave/want to take you to the Police Station; or

          • handcuffs you

          *if you are not under arrest, you may walk away/refuse to follow him 

            back to the Police station or anywhere else, if asked.

    2.4 When you cannot be arrested

          The police cannot arrest you just because you are a potential witness 

          and want to take a statement from you (112 / Witness Statement).

3. QUESTIONING BY POLICE WITHOUT ARREST

    3.1 112 Statement

          When the police are investigating a case and think you have 

          information about the case, the police may examine you and 

          take down your answers.

    3.2 Informal/Formal Request

          Most times, the police make an informal request that you give a 112

          Statement. If the place and time is convenient to you, cooperate.

          If not, tell the police you will do so at a convenient place.

          If you refuse to cooperate, the police may issue a formal order in 

          writing, signed by an investigating officer (Police Officer) to ask you 

          to cooperate.

          If you disobey a Police Order, you cannot be arrested. However, it is an 

          offence and the police may request the Magistrate to issue a warrant

          against you to compel you to cooperate.

    3.3 Giving a 112 Statement

          You have the right to ask a lawyer to accompany you. This is advisable.

          In giving a 112 Statement, you may refuse to answer any 

          question/remain silent if the answer is likely to expose you to a criminal

          offence.

          • Bring along a notebook or writing paper with you (Personal Notes).

          • Write down every question asked in your Personal Notes.

          • Make sure you understand every question asked.

          • Take your time and think carefully before writing your answers in 

             your Personal Notes.

          • Read your answers to the Police Officer questioning you.

          • Keep your Personal Notes for future reference.

    3.4 Signing your 112 Statement

          Before signing your Statement, read the questions and your answers 

          written by the Police Officer carefully.

          • Compare the Statement you are asked to sign with your 

             Personal Notes.

          • You have the right to make any corrections/changes to the Statement 

             before signing.

          • Sign your signature immediately below the last sentence of your 

            Statement.