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• Arrest
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE POLICE WANTED TO ENTER AND SEARCH MY HOME ?

If a police officer has a search warrant, you must let the police officer and other lawfully authorized officer to search your house or other place therein specified in the warrant. Prior to the search, you should ask to see the search warrant.

If after notice of the authority and purpose, you refuse admittance, the police officers are permitted to break open any outer or inner door of your house to execute the search warrant.

The police officer shall seize any articles found which are reasonably believed to be evidence of the crime and arrest the person occupying the same.

If a police officer does not have a search warrant, he is allowed to enter and search your house in emergency situations.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING ?

Generally, the police officer will request for your identity card or name and address. Make sure you carry your identity card with you all times. Under the National Registration Regulations 1990, it is an offence for not carrying your identity card with you.

As a matter of fact, it is not a crime to refuse to answer questions, however, you can make the police officer suspicious about you for such act.

You have to right to ask the police officer if you are under arrest.

Don't try to run if you are stopped for questioning as that may lead to your arrest.

AM I OBLIGED TO ANSWER POLICE QUESTIONS ?

If you are called by the police for questioning and not under arrest, you are bound to state the truth and answer the police questionings.

If you are not certain whether you are under arrest, again, you have the right to ask the police officer.

You also have the right from self-incrimination where you do not have to answer questions which have the tendency to expose you to a criminal charge, penalty or forfeiture.