The Do’s and Don’ts of Speaking to Police in Ontario

When interacting with the police in Ontario, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. This article will outline some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when speaking to police officers in this province.

DO:

• Remain calm and polite. It is natural to feel nervous or intimidated when speaking to the police, but it is important to remain calm and courteous. This will help to deescalate any potential conflicts and make it more likely that the interaction will be resolved peacefully.
• Provide your name and identification when asked. Under the Ontario Police Services Act, you are required to provide your name and identification when requested by a police officer. Failure to do so can result in arrest.
• Know your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to retain counsel. If you are being questioned as a suspect, you have the right to have a lawyer present during the questioning.
• Cooperate with police. If you are stopped for questioning, it is important to cooperate with the police officers. This will help to ensure that the interaction proceeds smoothly and quickly.
• File a complaint if you feel that your rights have been violated. If you feel that your rights have been violated during an interaction with the police, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.

DON’T:

• Resist arrest. If you are being arrested, it is important to cooperate with the police officers. Resisting arrest can result in additional charges and may make the situation more dangerous.
• Lie to the police. Lying to the police is a criminal offence and can result in charges of obstruction of justice or public mischief.
• Use force against the police. Using force against a police officer is a criminal offence and can result in serious charges.
• Touch or interfere with a police officer’s equipment. Touching or interfering with a police officer’s equipment, such as their firearm or baton, can result in charges of assault or disarming a peace officer.
• Run away or try to flee. If you are being stopped for questioning or arrested, running away or trying to flee can result in additional charges.

It is important to remember that the police are there to serve and protect the community. By understanding your rights and responsibilities and cooperating with the police, you can help to ensure that your interactions with the police are safe and peaceful. If you have any concerns or feel that your rights have been violated, it is important to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.

If you or someone you know has been charged with Assault, contact De Boyrie Law today for a free consultation at this link. If your matter is immediate please contact us at (416) 727-1389. De Boyrie Law serves Toronto, Vaughan, and the Greater Toronto Area.