• You have the right to remain silent – you do not have to answer any questions the police ask EXCEPT to tell them your correct name, age and address.
• There is no law that says you must have ID (unless you are driving on a learning or provision licence) on you BUT if a police officer believes you have given a false name, age or address, the officer can insist that you prove who you are.
• If a police officer is searching or questioning you, you are entitled to know their name, rank and station, and the reason they are searching or questioning you.
• If the police cannot give you a reason for the search or do not show you a warrant, then they have no right to search you.  BUT do not stop the police from searching you as you could be charged with obstruction.  Talk to a lawyer afterwards.
• You do not have to go with police unless they say you are under arrest or there is a law that states you must go with them (eg. some traffic matters). You do not have to answer questions (except your correct name, age and address).
• If police arrest you for questioning they must try to contact either your lawyer or a legal aid organisation before they question you. You have the right to phone a parent, friend or relative and let them know where you are and to call a lawyer.
• If you are interviewed by police, you have the right to have a support person (parent, adult friend, youth worker) AND a lawyer with you during the interview. You should tell the police who you would like to have with you. If there is no one, the police must arrange a justice of the peace to be there.
• If you are not sure whether to answer questions, don’t until you receive some legal advice.
• If you are not charged, the police can only detain you for questioning for 8 hours, of which 4 hours can be for the interview.  Remember, you do not have to answer questions if you do not want to.
• If you are under 18 and have not been arrested, the police cannot take your fingerprints or photographs unless they get an Order from the court, and you have a support person with you.
• If you are found not guilty or the case against you is dismissed, your fingerprints and photographs must be destroyed.
• If you are at least 14 years old, you can refuse to give a forensic sample to the police. If you are under 14 years old, the police can ask your parents to agree to give some types of samples.
• If you have been charged, the police must get an Order from the court if they want to take your DNA (samples, blood or urine).

Remember that the police have rights too.

• The police can charge you if you refuse to give them your correct name, age and address when asked.
• The police can search you, your bag or your vehicle if they suspect you have illegal drugs, weapons, stolen property, or evidence of offences.
• The police can arrest you for questioning if they suspect that you have broken the law. You still do not need to answer questions (except your correct name, age and address).

Remember to STAY COOL AND CALM and try to write down all the details of what happened.   A lawyer can help you lodge a complaint with the Crime and Misconduct Commission if you feel you have been treated unfairly.