Police questioning
Police approach me on the street. Do I have to answer their questions?
While police can lawfully ask you whatever they wish, you do not have to answer. Even if you have not done anything wrong, your answers could come back to haunt you. If police are investigating an offence and ask you questions, it may be best to politely decline to answer particularly if you are a suspect.
Police ask me to come to the station for questioning. Should I go? If I do, what should I say?
It is almost always best not to go or say anything. You have a right to remain silent. If you do make a statement to police, signed or oral, the Crown may be able to use it in evidence against you. If you've been arrested or detained police must tell you that you can immediately contact a lawyer. If you say you want to do so, police must hold off further questioning until you've spoken with one. A lawyer will likely tell you not to answer police questions. But once you've spoken to a lawyer, police may question you further.
Generally, it is not in your best interest to co-operate with police. You will never fully know consequences of co-operation until it is to late.
Don't lie to police
If you do speak to the police, don't lie. Lying to police could lead to criminal charges of public mischief, obstruct police or obstruct justice; a false alibi could become evidence of consciousness of guilt. The risk of speaking to police is that even an honest, but mistaken statement, can be later used at your trial as a prior inconsistent statement to attack your credibility. If you have an alibi, do not tell police at the time of your arrest; you should investigate and double check your alibi before it is disclosed.
Should I take a lie detector (polygraph) test?
Do not take part in such tests. The results are not admissible at trial. Police know this but use these tests to get you to confess. Unlike the test results, your statements may be used in evidence.
Injured by police?
If in the course of investigation by police you suffer an injury, it is important to have it viewed by a doctor as soon as possible. Try and get photos. Then report incident to the New Brunswick Police Commission.
Making a Complaint with the New Brunswick Police Commission
| Making or Filing a Complaint with the NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE COMMISSION requires you to follow steps as found on the NEW BRUNSWICK POLICE COMMISSION web page. This is now my forth complaint regarding separate incidents involving members of FREDERICTON POLICE FORCE , it is becoming easier also I am pleased to provide copies of my official complaints herein below. |
The following id from http://www.gnb.ca/0075/makecomplaint-e.asp
Complaints against a Municipal / Regional Police Force or Officer
When Can I Place a Complaint?
- When you feel that you have been treated wrongly by a police officer,
- When you feel that an officer has behaved improperly or has neglected his or her duty,
- When you are not satisfied with any aspect of police services in New Brunswick.
Please be sure to NOTE:
you are best to file the complaint soon after the incident as conveniently possible because everyone begins to forget the details and we want the offending Police to be investigated sooner than later... although Legislation has set a time limit of one year from the date of the 'INCIDENT'.
you are best to file the complaint soon after the incident as conveniently possible because everyone begins to forget the details and we want the offending Police to be investigated sooner than later... although Legislation has set a time limit of one year from the date of the 'INCIDENT'.
However, the Police Commission may allow an extension.
How Do I File a Complaint?
You can make a complaint
- Directly to the New Brunswick Police Commission at:
New Brunswick Police Commission
435 King Street, Suite 202
Fredericton NB E3B 1E5
435 King Street, Suite 202
Fredericton NB E3B 1E5
