Yet another example of the police protecting the establishment at our expense. Those who control society determine outcomes through their nepotistic relationships with Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Superintendents….
The following is an outrage:
Woman who held up a blank piece of paper along the path of the Queen’s coffin in Scotland was followed home by police…
— Lowkey (@Lowkey0nline) September 17, 2022
“Tell us where you live and we will let you go..”pic.twitter.com/bsusch6ync
And this:
"Why are you strangling me? I didn't know!"
— Lowkey (@Lowkey0nline) September 18, 2022
A teenager is manhandled by police for innocently rollerblading in the direction of the Royal convoy in London.
pic.twitter.com/gT1IZztNGU
But we are not entirely powerless even though the current Tory party are attempting to make that so.
What can we currently do?
The following is advice from https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/
‘Stop and account’ is the power allowing police officers to ask questions about who you are and what you’re doing in the area in which you’re stopped.
It is NOT the same as ‘stop and search’ and is not as widely known.
With ‘stop and account’, you can be stopped in the street or other public place by a police officer or police community support officer (PCSO). If the police officer is not in uniform, they have to show their warrant card to prove their identity.
WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED, THEY CAN ASK YOU:
- What are you doing?
- Why are you in the area?
- Where are you going?
- What are you carrying?
You might not want to tell them any of this. And you might be in a hurry to get somewhere. Or you might not want anyone to see you stopped by the police, because it looks like you’ve done something wrong.
So, can you refuse to answer the questions?
YOUR RIGHTS, AND THE LAW
Most of the time, you have the legal right to refuse to answer and just walk away.
Usually, under ‘stop and account’, the police officer or PCSO doesn’t have the power to force you to stay. You can’t be searched or arrested just because you refuse to answer their questions.
But there is one situation when you must answer if the police ask you for your name and address. This is when the police have reason to believe that you have engaged, or are engaging, in anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as behaviour likely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress”.
In this situation it’s a criminal offence to refuse to give your name and address. You could be arrested if the police think it’s necessary to do so in order to find out your name and address.
Never give false information. This could be seen as an offence of obstructing the police in the course of their duty.
WHAT IF I WANT TO COMPLAIN?
Some police forces make a record of a ‘stop and account’. Ask the officer or PCSO if they are making a record. If so, ask for a copy. This will help if you want to make a complaint.
If you are stopped and asked to account for yourself, the police can’t make you stay or take further action against you unless they have good reason – as explained above. If this has happened to you, it may be a good idea to speak to a solicitor specialising in actions against the police. Visit our page on finding a solicitor. If you’re unhappy with the way the police behaved towards you, you can also make a complaint.
Top Tip
Remember, ’stop and account’ is not the same as ‘stop and search’. Under ‘stop and search’ the police have greater powers – so don’t mix them up. If you are stopped by police, ask them what the reason is.
Join us in helping to bring reality and decency back by SUBSCRIBING to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1Ll1ylCg8U19AhNl-NoTg and SUPPORTING US where you can: Award Winning Independent Citizen Media Needs Your Help. PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/
Douglas James
Join us in helping to bring reality and decency back by SUBSCRIBING to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1Ll1ylCg8U19AhNl-NoTg and SUPPORTING US where you can: Award Winning Independent Citizen Media Needs Your Help. PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH https://dorseteye.com/donate/
