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Analytics Contract law October 9, 2017 3 min read

A police officer stopped you on the street: what to do

Author
Your Lawyer

You are walking down the street, not touching anyone, and suddenly a respectable police officer approaches you. You are confused because you did not expect such attention to yourself. How to behave and what to avoid when talking to a law enforcement officer - further.

Meeting rules

When a police officer approaches you, it doesn't necessarily mean that you did something wrong. Don't forget that he has reasons for doing so. So, first of all, behave calmly, don't be nervous, and be understanding. Our cops usually consider their work to be effective, and equate their actions with the current legislation. However, you should remind the police officers of their conscientiousness in performing their duties.

You must do the following:

  1. greet and smile. Next - ask to present the appropriate document (in this case, the request is often ignored, but do not back down), write down the employee's details. This right is specified in Part 3 of Article 18 of the Law of Ukraine "On the National Police";
  2. Find out why you were contacted. This should not be confused with an interrogation. It involves questioning, examining things, a cursory check, and asking for documents. One of the reasons for the check may be your appearance (you may resemble the person who just committed the crime). Don't worry, this is a normal procedure;
  3. You can also refuse to communicate, as well as talk about your life (where, who you work for, what you do in your free time). When the police officer clearly indicates the reason and insists on showing documents - show them. If you don't have them - state your full name, date of birth. In the case of a non-surface inspection request, you should know that such an act is possible only with the drawing up of a report of the inspection and in the presence of 2 witnesses. At the same time, you should know that they have no right to take away personal belongings (e.g., a phone) from you, since they are your private property. Otherwise, a report of seizure will be drawn up;
  4. in case of aggressive behavior on the part of the police - call your loved ones and inform them about such a situation (you have every right to use a mobile phone). You can also call the police;
  5. If there really are no grounds for accusations - end the conversation. If there are administrative offenses (smoking in a prohibited place, drinking alcohol) - they must be held accountable. Giving a bribe - no, it's better not to. You will still have to pay a fine (a report will be drawn up). Although for the first time, law enforcement officers may give you a verbal warning and let you go. You can also ask for this;
  6. The administrative offense report will be reviewed in your presence.

You can obtain information about consulting on issues of restricting citizens' rights at site.