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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.
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