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Introduction
All communists should know how to handle police when they come knocking. Not only do we understand the reasons to be wary of the police (systemic racism, their role as an enforcer of bourgeois rules...), we must be doubly cautious because our activism and ideological leanings put us at risk.
This guide will first give some general pointers to handle police no matter where you live and then delve into the laws of, hopefully, each country in the world)
This guide is also collaborative, please feel free to add something if it's missing. However, please do back up your claims! We must not give out wrong or outdated information that could get comrades in trouble. Please add the countries in the appropriate subcontinent category and in alphabetical order from A-Z.
How to handle the police
Understanding the police
By the time the police talks to you or even looks at you, they are sizing you up for illegal activity. Remember that their job is to arrest people and interrogate them to get a confession -- it's what they do for 8 or more hours every day. They are generally trained to see threats and are so alienated from their community that they do not see themselves as part of it, but rather as some external wall preventing the total collapse of society.
Therefore, as soon as the police says one word to you, they are out to get you. No matter what they say -- remember the police is allowed to lie to you or say half-truths. It's possible that they are only asking you as a witness. Let's see a possible situation:
Police: Hi, we're investigating the fight that broke out in front of the bar and some people identified you as a witness. Can you tell us what happened?
Witness: Yeah, couple people were drinking at the bar and then one of them started hitting some other guy in the head and yelling.
Police: What did you do then?
Witness: I backed off, I didn't want to get hit. I still had my beer bottle in my hand, but I dropped it. People around me were cheering them on.
Police: is it possible during the fight you threw your bottle to the crowd?
Witness: I mean, I don't know where it went. It's possible I may have thrown it in the crowd.
Just like that the witness has admitted to participating in the fight. If that confession is wrong (he did not throw the bottle but it slipped), that will have to be taken to court which turns a simple slip of the tongue into a months long (and expensive) ordeal.
Some people -- and the police exploits that -- think that by being uncooperative, they will make themselves look suspicious. That is thankfully not true. First because you cannot be suspicious if you do not say anything, you have not given the police anything to go on. Second because anything that must be said to exonerate yourself will be said in court if it comes to that. The police is generally only allowed to detain you if they have charges or strong suspicions against you (more on that in the country sections). If you do not say anything that could incriminate you, you will not give them reason to detain you.
Your behaviour
When questioned by police in the streets, only give them whichever information you are legally bound to give, and nothing else. You can say "I have nothing to say". Even if they ask how you are today, say "I have nothing to say officer" and leave.
If you are arrested and interrogated at the station, the same rules apply but you must also ask for a lawyer. "I have nothing to say and want to speak to my lawyer". You have to be clear with your language.
As for body language, try to stay calm and collected.
Their behaviour
Police are no strangers to interrogations, even if they're performed in the streets on the down-low (i.e. you are not being detained). But their weakness lies in the fact they think this makes them good at it. They will use threats, they will call out your statements, they will try to get consent for searches. Do not say "yes" or "no", do say "I have nothing to state" or "I have nothing to say". If you are unclear in your language, they will press you on it.
It is important to learn their tactics and practice repeating "I do not have anything to say, officer". Preparation is half the battle. We recommend this Youtube channel which is based in the USA but examines police interrogations and their tactics.
Dealing with the police at your home or in your car
Do not let them search any of your property. Do not let the police in your home -- meet them outside your door and close it fully behind you (in some places they can investigate if they see something in the house). If they want to investigate, they will have to get a warrant (they will bother you with this, saying that if they need a warrant they can get it anytime it's just easier and less suspicious if you agree -- that is not your problem, let them get the warrant, chances are they won't be able to). Clearly say "I do not consent to a search of my property". Again, if you say a simple yes or no, they can sometimes legally miscontrue that as consent depending how they asked the question.
Can anything be gained by talking to police?
No. The only exception is if you are a witness in some cases, because some petty cases do not go to court. But even then, even if you are in good faith and want to cooperate, they may pin something on you. You do not know all laws. You can slip up and incriminate yourself during your witness statement, as we've seen.
If you want to make a deposition because your friend was in an altercation and you want to help protect them as they are the victim, please remember that the police is not either of your friends. As far as they know two random people started fighting each other. By making a witness statement to the police (not in court!), you can mistakenly incriminate your friend. There aren't really guidelines for such a case, you will have to weigh the situation yourself and if it is worth testifying to the police. You generally don't have anything to lose by testifying in court, as the lawyer on your side (might be prosecution or might be defence) will prepare you for your statement so that you don't say anything you shouldn't.
Everything that has to be said can be said in court. If you are the one in trouble, any ammo you give during your interrogation will be used in court to build a case.
What to do by country
North America
South America
Western Europe
Switzerland
Stops
If the police asks for your identity, you must give out your first and last names. You are not required to carry an ID, but failure to present one will most likely get you detained at the station until they can check it, so it is not worth the trip if you can avoid it. Everything else you are allowed to decline or remain silent.
Ask if you are free to go. If not, ask what is the reason for your detention. Ask police officers for their names and registration numbers, but note they do not have to give it. It is important to write down their descriptions in as much details as possible in case you need to file a complaint -- height, weight, facial description, etc.
Switzerland requires consent from both parties before filming or recording.
Arrests
If you are arrested, the police must interrogate you within 24 hours, after which you are free to go. They can detain you for up to 48 hours but require a decision from the courts. The police must tell you the reason for your arrest in a language you understand. As per constitutional rights, you can see a doctor if you need to see one, and you can phone your family or employer to tell them about your arrest.
Immediately call a lawyer. You have the right to see your lawyer and you should do so.
A body search can only be conducted by an officer of the same gender that appears on your ID card. They have to do it in two steps: first the upper body, then the lower body, or vice versa, but never both at once.
If your phone or computer is seized, ask for them to be sealed immediately. They are not allowed to open either of those without a warrant. You do not have to give out any passwords or other login information and you shouldn't.
If the police seize any of your property, ask for a receipt so you can get it back afterwards.
During interrogations, only give out your first and last names as well as your home address so you can receive follow-up documents.
The police may submit you a DNA sample authorisation form, telling you that you must sign it. This is not true, and you should not sign that form. If the prosecutor's office orders a DNA sample to be taken however, the police is allowed to use force to get it at this point so we recommend you do not resist. Ask for a copy of the order, as you can appeal in the next 10 days.
After an interrogation, they will have you read the minutes. You are allowed to edit or add something to it. We recommend you refuse to sign the minutes.
If you have been a victim of police violence, please see your doctor as soon as possible to take notes of the damages. Explain what happened to the doctor and ask for a certificate. Take photos of the damages every day.