What information should I share with the police?

• Be very careful about any information you share with police officers. In many countries, everything you say may be used against you during criminal proceedings arising out of your arrest, so think before you speak.
   
• Wherever possible, make sure you understand the reason for your arrest before you say anything to the police.
   
• Please be aware that in some countries the police are not allowed to answer your questions. They may also be permitted to say things which have not been confirmed or may not be entirely correct in order to coax you into revealing incriminating information. Always confirm what arresting officers tell you with your lawyer.
   

• If you have a right to remain silent and your silence cannot be used against you in court, you should wait until you have seen or spoken to a lawyer before saying anything to the police.  

This is not a substitute for legal advice and, because every case is different and legal systems around the world vary so much, we cannot guarantee that the answers will be applicable to your own case. For advice about your own situation, you should talk to a lawyer qualified in the jurisdiction where you are being prosecuted.

The information contained in this document is provided for information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, nor does it constitute legal advice. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, Fair Trials International makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or applicability to individual cases of the information contained in this leaflet. Any reliance you place on such material is therefore strictly at your own risk. Fair Trials International disclaims any liability to the fullest extent permissible by law for any loss or damage of any kind arising from the use of the information provided.

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