POLICE AND YOUR RIGHT (part 2)

4. POLICE ARREST YOU
  
    4.1 Ask: "Why am I under arrest?"
          An arrest is unlawful if you are not informed of the reason.
  
    4.2 Do not resist an arrest
          The Police have the right to use reasonable force to arrest you if you
          resist.
  
    4.3 Ask: "Which Police station are you taking me to?"
          The arresting Police Officer must immediately take you to the nearest
          Police station and no other place.
  
    4.4 What to do when arrested
          You have the right to telephone call to:-
          1. Your relative or friend; and
          2. A lawyer.
  
         You may also call a nearby Legal Aid Centre (LAC). Inform them:
         • you have been arrested;
         • the time, place and reason of the arrest;
         • the Police station you will be taken to.
  
   4.5 What happens after arrest
         You may be detained up to 24 hours:
         • at the Police station, or
         • in a lock-up to "assist" police investigation.

5. YOUR RIGHTS AFTER ARREST & DURING DETENTION
  
    5.1 Right to consult a lawyer
          Once you request for the presence of a lawyer, you have a right to
          consult the lawyer at the Police Station. The Police must accord you
          reasonable facilities and a reasonable time for you to meet and consult
          the lawyer. The Police may, however, deny you this right, if the delay
          in questioning you may cause the occurrence of another crime or cause
          danger to others.
  
    5.2 Clothing
          You are allowed to have one set of clothing with you in the lock-up.
  
    5.3 Personal belongings
          The Police must record and put all your personal belongings in safe
          custody. Your personal belongings must be returned to you upon your
           release.
    
    5.4 Welfare
          You are allowed to take a bath two times a day. If you are sick, you
          have the right to receive immediate medical attention. You are to be
          given proper and adequate food and water during detention.

    5.5 How long may the Police detain you
          The Police may only detain you up to 24 hours for investigation. The
          duty of the Police is to complete investigations within 24 hours and to
          release you as soon as possible. If the Police cannot complete
          investigations within 24 hours, the Police must bring you before a
          Magistrate for a remand order to extend your detention beyond
          24 hours (Remand Order).

6. REMAND ORDER BY MAGISTRATE AFTER 24 HOURS


    6.1 Who is a Magistrate
          A Magistrate is a judicial officer. He/She has the power to make a
          Remand Order to detain you for more than 24 hours.

    6.2 Purpose of a Remand Order
          It is to give more time to the Police to complete their investigations and
          decide whether there is evidence to charge you for an offence. The
          Police cannot ask for a Remand Order only for the purpose of taking a
          Statement from you.