LEGAL INFO for student day of action
Alex Davis | 29.11.2010 23:25
We hope no one will need this information, but let's all be prepared. Keep an eye out tomorrow for people handing out leaflets with phone numbers for legal support.
IF YOU ARE ARRESTED you are entitled to:
- REMAIN SILENT. We strongly recommend you answer 'no comment' to all questions during interview, for your own benefit & that of others. From the moment you are stopped everything you say is evidence - there is no such thing as a 'friendly chat'. The police are trained to get information out of you, so stay strong. Do not sign any statements.
- Be told what you are arrested for.- Not to give your name, address or date of birth (but this will delay your release). However, your photo, prints & DNA can be taken without your consent.
- Have one phone call made on your behalf informing someone of your arrest. We recommend that you ask the custody sergeant to contact Arrestee Support (number available tomorrow). Tell the police that you authorise them to talk to Arrestee Support about you & your welfare so we can monitor your welfare & hopefully arrange someone to meet you on your release.
- You are entitled to free legal advice
- A translator if English is not your first language
- request a copy of PACE codes to read (then you will know all your rights in custody). Do ask.
- A medical examination if you feel unwell or hurt (inform the custody officer if you are on medication).
IF YOU ARE UNDER 17
- You will be required to have an appropriate adult present during interview.
- The police will ideally want a parent/legal guardian, but if they are unavailable you can either have a social worker (which we do not recommend) or another responsible adult. This can be any adult but the police might not agree to someone with a criminal record or who was on the protest.
IF YOU SEE / EXPERIENCE INAPPROPRIATE POLICE BEHAVIOUR
- Not the officers' numbers, find other witnesses.
- Make a detailed note of what happened as soon as you can. Include the time & date that you made it.
- Consider complaining about the police officer. Email us for more information about this. If you have a serious injury consult a solicitor first.
- Tell everyone you know.
Contact us: bristolarresteesupport [at] riseup [dot] net
Phone number available on the day.
For more information on the law & your rights see http://www.activistslegalproject.org.uk/
IF YOU ARE ARRESTED you are entitled to:
- REMAIN SILENT. We strongly recommend you answer 'no comment' to all questions during interview, for your own benefit & that of others. From the moment you are stopped everything you say is evidence - there is no such thing as a 'friendly chat'. The police are trained to get information out of you, so stay strong. Do not sign any statements.
- Be told what you are arrested for.- Not to give your name, address or date of birth (but this will delay your release). However, your photo, prints & DNA can be taken without your consent.
- Have one phone call made on your behalf informing someone of your arrest. We recommend that you ask the custody sergeant to contact Arrestee Support (number available tomorrow). Tell the police that you authorise them to talk to Arrestee Support about you & your welfare so we can monitor your welfare & hopefully arrange someone to meet you on your release.
- You are entitled to free legal advice
- A translator if English is not your first language
- request a copy of PACE codes to read (then you will know all your rights in custody). Do ask.
- A medical examination if you feel unwell or hurt (inform the custody officer if you are on medication).
IF YOU ARE UNDER 17
- You will be required to have an appropriate adult present during interview.
- The police will ideally want a parent/legal guardian, but if they are unavailable you can either have a social worker (which we do not recommend) or another responsible adult. This can be any adult but the police might not agree to someone with a criminal record or who was on the protest.
IF YOU SEE / EXPERIENCE INAPPROPRIATE POLICE BEHAVIOUR
- Not the officers' numbers, find other witnesses.
- Make a detailed note of what happened as soon as you can. Include the time & date that you made it.
- Consider complaining about the police officer. Email us for more information about this. If you have a serious injury consult a solicitor first.
- Tell everyone you know.
Contact us: bristolarresteesupport [at] riseup [dot] net
Phone number available on the day.
For more information on the law & your rights see http://www.activistslegalproject.org.uk/
Alex Davis
Original article on IMC Bristol:
http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/702296