These are the steps that should follow once you have been arrested.

1.1 Transport to the police station or processing centre

The transport may be by squad car or police van, depending on the number of persons arrested at the same time. If it is a group arrest, do not talk about the event or anything sensitive to other persons who have been arrested even if there are no police officers nearby.

1.2 The identification process

You are required to give your name and address. A police officer will take your fingerprints and you will be photographed.

1.3 Holding cell

You may be put in a cell before you are charged.

1.4 Interrogation

Interrogation is usually just a conversation that occurs in the police car or when you have been arrested. It may also take place in an interrogation room. If you have been arrested during a protest, do not answer any questions the police ask you besides stating your name and address until you have had a chance to speak to a lawyer. Just say: “I am going to remain silent.”

1.5 Bail for minor offences

For minor offences, such as trespassing and injury to property, “police bail” can be granted. In such cases, if you have the money you can agree with the investigating officer that you will pay a certain amount as bail. This amount will be confirmed at the official bail hearing in court.

You will have to pay this amount in cash. Make sure to get a receipt for the full amount you pay, signed by the police officer who takes the money from you.

Strategies the police may use to get you to talk:

LIE: “You are not a suspect, just help us, tell us what happened?”

TRUTH: If you were not a suspect, you would not have been arrested. The fact that you have been arrested means you are suspected of having broken the law. LIE: “If you do not answer the questions, we will charge you with resisting arrest.”

TRUTH: They cannot charge you with resisting arrest when you have already been arrested. Above all, you have the protected right to remain silent. LIE: “All your friends cooperated and were freed. You are the only one left.”

TRUTH: Being released does not mean that you or your friends will be freed of charges, and you have no way to know if and under what conditions your friends have been released.