Busted? Dealing with the Police
Busted by the police?
We managed to save some of the content from the ‘Murphy’s Law’ web site before it went offine. It was written to help kids but seems tourists and residents will now need this too. Shame, but there it is.
Below we show you common police tactics to get you to stop and talk to them. We also show you how to complain about police conduct and we tell the truth about filming them. But the best advice we ever heard was ‘never admit anything‘! If they try and bust your b*lls, say ‘no comment’. Name and address if you have to – but that’s it! Schtumeroo! If they take you to the station, wait for the duty solicitor (be wary – they can be closer to the police than you think) or better still – get your own lawyer.
Whatever you do ADMIT NOTHING! EVER. ‘NO COMMENT’.
Remember, the police are only human – they’re no more honest than you are! The police are not your friends.
And now that they want you delivered to prison faster than a deliveroo from a dark kitchen, it pays to stop and think. If you plead not guilty (with your lawyers advice of course – suggestions at the bottom of the page) there may be time for the CPS to realise your trial might not be in the public interest. Hell, what you did may no longer even be a fashionable cause. A flighty Government might have flitted onto something else it doesn’t like. Or the Met Police might have lost the evidence. It happens.
So – give your name, address if you have to – but that’s it, keep your mouth shut until your lawyer turns up.
Anyway, here’s some ways the police try and ‘engage’ kids when they have no grounds to:
‘Tell me if you’ve got something on you that you shouldn’t have – and I wont arrest you’ Yes they will – and do. Strip search, the lot. So don’t tell them. Remember – they can’t search you without good reason. So don’t do their job for them! Keep quiet – be polite.
Why are you walking away?’ Of course you’re not – you’re minding your own business. If the police can’t think of an excuse to stop you then this is a favorite. They’ve no way of justifying a stop unless they can pretend you’re acting suspiciously. And if you’re not – they’ll pretend. Its not nice but it happens.
‘There was a crime around here the other day/month and you’re wearing the same jacket, trousers, or whatever. Of course you’re not. But they’ve stopped you. Ask them to tell you what the ‘crime’ was, when it happened and why they think you’re of interest to them. They’ve got a back foot – find it! (Ed – They’ve tried this with me – an’ I’m an old fart).
‘Lets have a quiet chat’ They don’t want to talk to you for your health. You may want to politely decline!
‘It’s only a caution – it’s not a criminal record’ Don’t accept a caution without talking to a lawyer – just don’t. The police will say a caution is only a minor thing – its not a criminal record. Jokes! A caution IS a criminal record. Remember that!
This is a favorite of Inspector A*d** ****an: ‘Tell me your name or your mate gets an £80 fine for drinking in public’ Not that drinking is illegal! Nice man. He’s noted for not giving out his number or his name, and physically grabs kids without good excuse. (Ed -Yeah – been there, that’s why I’ve got his name!).
Here’s a bit of fun. Two kids in the street. Daytime. Police van pulls up, out they all jump, kick kids against a wall, pull down their trousers, search them, find nothing. Drive off.
Why are kids starting to think that perhaps the only time the police will risk lying is if their lips are moving and there’s a sound coming out?
It’s surely just as corrupt to mess with kids like this as it is to spy on the Lawrence family? Come on police – get your culture sorted! We’ve got a right to privacy, guys! We’ve all gotta live here!
Love this comment from the original Murphy’s Law: ‘This is both street smart and intelligent.’
Tell us what the police said to you!
What is a legal stop and search?
Before you are searched, the police officer should tell you :
that you must wait to be searched;
what law they are using and your rights;
their name;
the station they work at;
why they chose you;
what they are looking for; and
that you have the right to be given a form straightaway showing the details of the stop and search.
So if you’re searched always ask why. Get their details.
The police must act reasonably – not use some made up excuse. They cannot say – ‘Why are you walking away from me’ as an excuse to search you. But they do. And they will. So ask them why they have stopped you. If they search you, ask why? Always ask for the form.
Your right to a form
If you are stopped or searched the officer must fill in a form and give it to you straight away unless for example they are called away to an emergency. In this case you can get a copy from a police station anytime within 12 months.
The officer must write down:
your name or a description of you (only if you are searched)
your self-defined ethnic background;
when and where you were stopped or searched;
if they are taking any action
the names and/or numbers of the officers; and
if you were searched, what they were looking for and anything they found.
The police will ask you for your name, address and date of birth. You do not have to give this information if you do not want to, unless the police say they are reporting you for an offence. If this is the case you could be arrested if you don’t tell them.
You will also be asked to say what your ethnic background is from a list of the national census categories which the officer will show to you. You do not have to say what it is if you don’t want to. But this information is used to show if the police are stopping or searching people just because of their race or ethnicity.
A group of Police
Hey – love this quote from ukpoliceonline: “I would imagine that a police officer would have to identify themselves before a search only if they were plain clothes (for obvious reasons).” Posted 02 November 2010 – 10:16 AM by a Superintendent. (Ed – It’s nothing new and OH SO WRONG!)
Can I photograph the police?
Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop you filming or photographing incidents or police personnel.
Unless you’re a terrorist!
Its usually unlawful [to use section 58A Terrorism Act 2000] to arrest people photographing police officers in the course of normal policing activities, including protests, because there would not normally be grounds for suspecting that the photographs were being taken to provide assistance to a terrorist. An arrest would only be lawful if an arresting officer had a reasonable suspicion that the photographs were being taken in order to provide practical assistance to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
So don’t be a terrorist!
Hey – its worth knowing that the police don’t use this against ordinary people so much now because of legal rulings they’ve lost in the recent past.
How can I complain?
The police should treat you fairly and with respect. If you are unhappy with how you were treated, you can complain. If you feel you were treated differently because of your race, age, sexuality, gender, disability, religion or faith you can complain of unlawful discrimination.
And currently (2011) they seem to be targeting white kids – discrimination to balance out their stats?
It will help if you keep the form that the police gave you – if they did.
The Police Standards of Professional Behaviour set out the standards expected of police officers. This includes requirements to:
act with honesty and integrity
treat members of the public and their colleagues with respect
not abuse the extraordinary powers and authority police officers are granted
act in a manner that does not discredit or undermine public confidence in the police service.
Complain – and keep ‘em honest!
If you reasonably think that these standards have not been followed – complain! For tyranny to prevail, just sit on your arse and do nothing.
Remember – the police should earn respect, not demand it. They police with your consent.
You might also like details of Fear Karma Keir Starmer: The Budget Blues
Please do us a favour – please follow us on instagram or X
Thank you!
Suggested lawyers (please let us have your recommendations!)
Support Organisations (suggestions please)