General
What To Do If You Are Arrested Or Detained By The Police
In a situation where one is having a confrontation with the police, or when one is being arrested for an alleged offence, there are certain things we do doing, wittingly or unwittingly, that can compound an already bad situation. In this article, we provide a guide on how to manage an arrest situation involving a police and other law enforcement agents.
- Make no attempt to flee; doing so may raise suspicions about you.
- Do not argue with, insult, threaten, or assault the security officer.
- Show them your ID or identify yourself in any way you can.
- If the security officers are dressed in mufti, request that they identify themselves.
- Write down the agent’s name or badge number. These are emblazoned on their uniforms. If you can, write down their license plate number.
- Find out why you’ve been arrested or detained from the agent.
- Request an arrest warrant (that is, if you are not being arrested at the scene of a crime). Arresting someone without a warrant signed by a magistrate or a senior police officer is illegal.
- If the police or a security guard attempts to search your home or office, demand that they show you a search warrant signed by a magistrate or a senior police officer. Any search that is conducted without a warrant is illegal.
- You are not required to speak to the arresting officer. It is critical to understand that you have the right to remain silent until you see your lawyer.
- If a security guard assaults you or inflicts a wound or injury on you, take pictures and request first aid.
- Take careful notes and identify witnesses at the scene of the crime or where you are being arrested.
- Contact your relatives, friends, and lawyer while at the station or place of detention.
- Don’t say or write too much. Keep in mind that anything you say or write can be used against you in court. Please only make a signed statement in the presence of your lawyer.