Home >> Law, your rights and citizenship >> The police and the courts >> Dealing with the police

If you are stopped by the police:

• The police may ask you for your name, where you live or where you are going.  It is a good idea to answer these questions, but if they start to ask many other questions, you should find out if you are going to arrested or searched. 
  
• Be polite and don't struggle or swear at a police officer.
  
• If the police stop you and ask you to account for yourself, they must give you a written form. The form must say why, when and where you were stopped. They have to do this even if they don't search you.
  
• You have a right to a solicitor.  If you do not know one, ask for the duty solicitor, who is free of charge. 
  
• Always ask for a solicitor before you agree to be interviewed, or make any statements.   Anything you say to the police can be used later in court. 
  
• If you are under 17, you can ask for an adult such as a parent, guardian or other person responsible for your care to be present when you are questioned. 
  
• The police can search you or your vehicle if they have a reasonable suspicion that you are carrying drugs, stolen goods, a weapon or firearm, or if you are in a coach or train going to a sports stadium.

 

 

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