Due a police visit - help

NewKittenHelp

fluffnutter wrote: »

This is all completely true of course. But IMO, being helpful and cooperative will stand you in far better stead than reminding coppers that their power is only limited. They come across so many smart arses that they have well developed their ways of being 'awkward' with people.

I don't think it's an either/or situation. IMO it's far better to be helpful and cooperative without asking 'how high?' when PC Smith tells you to jump.

I deal with the police in my professional life and the vast majority of them are professional and a credit to the country, so I have very limited patience for the power-mad minority.

NewKittenHelp

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

True, but not very helpful for the OP. If they do as you say it will just get their backs up, and they will think you have something to hide.

How is the OP going to give them the impression that he is mild mannered, and wouldn't hurt a fly, if he is abrupt with them, giving the impression that he is a police hater?

I know we hear scare stories in the press, but 99.9% of them are just doing their job to protect the public, as fairly as possible.

Being polite and giving nothing but the truth in the quickest possible way will not get any decent police officer's back up.

19lottie82

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

I know we hear scare stories in the press, but 99.9% of them are just doing their job to protect the public, as fairly as possible.

I sued to think this until an inncident a couple of years ago. I wouldn't trust the police as far as I can throw them, especially the ones that seem like "nice guys". I won't believe a word that comes out fo their mouths from now on.

Jamie_Carter

19lottie82 wrote: »

I sued to think this until an inncident a couple of years ago. I wouldn't trust the police as far as I can throw them, especially the ones that seem like "nice guys". I won't believe a word that comes out fo their mouths from now on.

You obviously had a bad experience with the police, that didn't go the way you wanted it. But the fact that you have tarred them all with the same brush is the same sort of attitude that breads racism, and other discrimination.

Just consider what state the country would be in if it was a lawless society without the police.

marisco_2

This all seems very odd to me and would not be something I would agree to. If the police want to question you, over something so serious, it should be done at a police station. They shouldn't refuse to let you come over to them and say that it will be a home visit for 2 hours.

If you have agreed to this then I would make sure you have an independant witness with you. I would also advise that anything said by yourself or the police is recorded. Sounds like it is not being handled professionally to me. Why would a policeman attend an address of someone who has not been proven to be guilty of anything and almost be smashing their door down?

A neighbour of mine was suffering harassement from other neighbours a while back. Allegations had been made against her but the police knocked on the door calmly and she told me they had said to her 'we come in peace, we need to discuss something with you'. More to the point they were there ten minutes not 2 hours.

Jamie_Carter

NewKittenHelp wrote: »

Being polite and giving nothing but the truth in the quickest possible way will not get any decent police officer's back up.

But there is also the way this comes across, and your attitude towards them.

If you refuse to give a statement in your house, when an allegation has been made against you. Then they have no choice than to arrest you in order to carry out an investigation.

If you do give a statement in your house, but are unfriendly and abrupt, and it is obvious that you are trying to get them out of your house as quick as possible. Then even if you have told the truth, it will arouse suspision that you aren't telling the whole truth. It is always best to appear friendly and cooperative.

Jamie_Carter

marisco wrote: »

This all seems very odd to me and would not be something I would agree to. If the police want to question you, over something so serious, it should be done at a police station. They shouldn't refuse to let you come over to them and say that it will be a home visit for 2 hours.

If you have agreed to this then I would make sure you have an independant witness with you. I would also advise that anything said by yourself or the police is recorded. Sounds like it is not being handled professionally to me. Why would a policeman attend an address of someone who has not been proven to be guilty of anything and almost be smashing their door down?

A neighbour of mine was suffering harassement from other neighbours a while back. Allegations had been made against her but the police knocked on the door calmly and she told me they had said to her 'we come in peace, we need to discuss something with you'. More to the point they were there ten minutes not 2 hours.

It is a preliminary investigation into an allegation that they probably think is false. So it is common practice to visit a persons house, rather than dragging them down to the police station.

As for nearly knocking the door down. Well some police officers only know how to knock loudly. It's as if they think that you are more likely to answer the door that way. But 'nearly knocking the door down' was most likely an exaggeration buy the neighbour.

kev225

marisco wrote: »

If you have agreed to this then I would make sure you have an independant witness with you.

Couldn't agree more, some police have already decided whether you're guilty before you open your mouth. Having a friend or relative there shouldn't be an issue if this isn't worthy of you going down to the station. But their presence should curb the officer from making what you say fit his story.

Saying he wants to talk with you for more than an hour just makes me think he's going to try and wear you down. After all, how long can you talk about something that didn't happen??

adouglasmhor

I was once in a slightly similar situation, I agreed to meet them in my lawyers office. 30 minutes later they left after apologising for using my time.

cheepskate_2

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

You obviously had a bad experience with the police, that didn't go the way you wanted it.
.

Very naive to think this.

The police are just as corrupt as the next person.....Just because you go into a certain job,it doesn't automatically give you a holier than tho attitude.

OP, Preempting the situation I would find out what your rights are if you are arrested, and what rights you have at the station i.e will a lawyer come out to the police station at any hour if needed etc

If you are asked to sign anything by them, them make sure you read it fully and DO NOT sign it if it is wrong, or at the very least make sure you put in the amendments and sign each one.

Otherwise be polite and as helpful as you can be in that situation.