Police Powers

Police Powers in Fife may differ greatly from where you are from, especially for the large number of international students who study here. The following advice tells you how to conduct yourself if you are stopped by the Police for any reason. Points to remember if you are stopped by the Police:

• Stand your ground but be reasonable
• The more reasonable you are the more reasonable they will be
• Answer any questions in a reasonable way
• Give your correct name and address
• You don't have to say anything more
• Do not make anything up to get yourself out of trouble
• Ensure you're told why you have been stopped, detained or arrested
• You cannot be detained for any more than six hours
• You have the right to have a lawyer informed if you have been detained
• If anything is removed from you during a search do not sign the list of possessions unless it is correct
• Any search should be made by an officer of the same sex
• You can complain about the treatment / procedure in police custody, but it's not worth struggling or being arrested in return.

These points are only intended as a guide to the law. It is not an authoritative interpretation of the law. If you feel you have been treated in an inappropriate manner, then you can contact the Scottish Human Rights Centre, 146 Holland Road, Glasgow G2. Or telephone on 0141-332-5960