Norwich Saving Animals From Exploitation
( S.A.F.E. )
Legal Rights & Advice To Members
(These 3 pages created in black text on white background to ease printing)
General advice . . .
If you receive a legal advice leaflet which may be handed out on demonstrations, please read it carefully. Take the advice and use one of the solicitors listed. Don't forget, it is highly unlikely that you will ever be arrested at a demonstration, so don't have nightmares!
Points to remember . . .
Please send details of your arrest to us (when, where and what charge).
Complain to the police in writing, it does make a difference.
Sue the police if you are wrongfully arrested, assaulted or have your charges dropped.
DON'T EVER TALK TO THE POLICE - They are NOT impartial and they are NOT on our side (believe it or not!).
Keep us informed and up to date with details of your case. Don't think we are not interested because WE ARE. Let us know your court dates (which court) and which solicitor you are using.
Send us photos and video footage of demos. They may help someone's case and prove their innocence. DON'T send anything that may incriminate someone else.
To complain about your treatment by the police or any other behaviour by officers you find unacceptable, please write to:-
Complaints & Discipline, Police Headquarters, to the area where the police came from on the day of the demonstration.
Please contact us and keep us informed of your progress - we may be able to put you in contact with witnesses.
A lot of people are released without charge or have their charges dropped or reduced greatly at a later date.
If you are released without charge, you are entitled to sue the police, and we recommend you contact Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0114 276 7777.
If a police officer asks you to identify yourself, you do not have to tell them unless you are under arrest or are suspected of committing a crime.
If you are arrested, you only have to tell the police your name, address and date of birth - THAT'S ALL !
After your arrest, the police will try to engage you in conversation and will appear to be friendly and 'on your side'. DON'T BE FOOLED - KEEP QUIET.
You are legally entitled to give a 'no comment' interview. You do not have to answer questions.
Photographs . . .
You do NOT have to have your photograph taken when you are in custody, whether you have been charged or not. REFUSE. Beware of the police trying to take a quick snapshot of you in the police station or when you are leaving.
Fingerprints . . .
The police CANNOT take your fingerprints unless you have been charged with an offence. If you are charged, they can force you to give your fingerprints.
Codes of Practice . . .
If you are arrested, ask to see a copy of the 'codes of practice'.
Police assaults . . .
If you are assaulted by a police officer, we recommend the following actions:
Make a note of the number that is displayed on his or her shoulder (if the number is hidden try to get someone to take a photograph of the offending officer).
Make a mental note of their description and write it down as soon as possible.
Write down anything else you can remember, eg. the time the assault/incident happened - who witnessed the incident - try to remember if anyone filmed or photographed you.
Keep hold of any paperwork the police give you when you are released.
Searches . . .
Section 60 - It is worth challenging a police officer if they want to search you or your vehicle. Ask WHY they are searching you/your vehicle, WHAT they are searching for and under what section.
If you are arrested, please contact immediately:
Kevin Tomlinson, Kieran & Co Solicitors on 01246 559065
Des Murphy & Co on 01273 602111
Tim Walker, Christian Fisher Solicitors on 0171 831 1750 (or 07977129267 on SHAC demo days only)
Tim Greene, Birnbergs Solicitors on 0171 911 0166
If you wish to take further action against the police, contact Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0114 276 7777.
End of legal advice document