Diversity Community Newscast for the week…..“….When stopped by the police you are not under any arrest or detention……this is different from someone driving a car….,” Inspector Mitch Flaman with Edmonton Police Service on the launch of “Know Your Rights” on May 10, 2021.
Edmonton Police Service launches a “Know Your Rights” campaign to inform the community on their rights when interacting with the police in print, online….
When an EPS officer stops or approaches you to speak with you, they must:
* Identify themselves.
* Tell you why you have been stopped or why they want to talk to you.
* If you are arrested or detained, tell you what for.
* Advise you that you can talk to a lawyer if you are under arrest and provide you with an opportunity to do so in privacy and safety.
* Let you be on your way if you are not being arrested or detained.
* Give you a copy of a search warrant if it authorizes them to search you or your home.
* Act reasonably and respectfully during a search.
* Not use excessive force or damage your property without reason.
* Return your property to you within three months if your property was seized as part of a search and you have not been charged with an offence.
When an investigation takes longer than 3 months, a police officer needs permission from a Judge to keep your property for longer than 3 months.
When you are stopped or approached by an EPS officer, you:
* Do not need to answer the questions of a police officer.
* Are required to identify yourself if you are breaking a law – including municipal bylaws and provincial laws that require a ticket be issued – or are under arrest.
* Can generally say, “No.”, when police ask to search your belongings unless you are under arrest or being detained with safety concerns.* May leave unless you are being detained or arrested.
* If you are arrested or detained, you have a right to speak with a lawyer as soon as officers can give you the privacy and safety to do so in your circumstances.
* Have a right to know a police officer’s name or badge number.
* Are not required to give them access to your home unless they have a warrant or have an urgent reason to enter your home.
* Can ask to see a copy of a search warrant that authorizes police to enter your home.
* Are required to provide your driver’s licence, car registration and insurance if you are stopped while driving.
* Do not generally have a right to speak to a lawyer before taking a roadside breath test.
* Can report a police officer to the Chief of Police or Edmonton Police Commission if you have been abused, treated unfairly, or had your rights violated.
For more information or to download a FREE brochure, please go to www.edmontonpolice.ca/KnowYourRights
