www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Students
Rizer is a website designed by and for young people to explain all aspects of the criminal justice system.
The Police
You have the right to be treated fairly and with respect by the police. Many rules about police behaviour are set down in rules known as ‘codes of practice’, and there are also laws about some of the things the police can and can't do.
You should also treat the police with respect: they are usually just trying to do their job. Getting angry or abusive is likely to increase your chances of being arrested
Stop and Search
If the police stop you in the street, they probably suspect that you have done something illegal or that you might be about to break the law. The police officers must tell you their name, the station where they are based and why they have stopped you. You must give your name and address, but you don't have to answer any legal questions until you have had legal advice. Stay calm because if you get abusive or angry, or try to run away, it will only increase your chances of getting arrested.
If the police suspect you of carrying an offensive weapon, drugs or anything with which you could commit a crime, your outer clothing (coat or jacket, hat, gloves etc) may be searched by a police officer if you are in public but not if you are at home, or in someone else’s home if you have permission to be there.
At the Police Station
If you are under 17 you cannot be questioned at a police station without a parent or carer being present. If they can't attend an 'appropriate adult' must be present, who may be a relative or family friend. The first offence may result in a Reprimand, Final Warning or you might be charged, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Whatever your age you are entitled to speak to a free duty solicitor, so if you are arrested, charged or questioned by the police, you should ask for the duty solicitor. They might be in the police station or available by telephone, and they will not charge you for help. Always ask for their advice.
The police should not detain you for more than 24 hours without charging you, unless an officer with the rank of superintendent (or above) or a magistrate gives permission.
If you have difficulty understanding English and the interviewing officer cannot speak your language, or if you have hearing or speech difficulties, you should be provided with an interpreter.
The Connexions website has got more information on You and the Police:
Going to court
If you have to go to court, and you are aged 10 –17, you will have to go to the Youth Court. If you are 18 and above, you will go to the Magistrates Court. At court you will be found either guilty, not guilty or the case could be dropped.
If you are found not guilty you are free to go and also to get back any property of yours that the Police have.
If you are found guilty, you will be given either a referral order, a community sentence or a custodial sentence, depending on whether you have previously been sentenced for other offences, or how serious the offence is.
The Youth Justice Board website has got more information about the different types of sentences and what they mean.
Staying out of trouble
Slippery Fish has contact details for people in Wiltshire who might be able to help you stay out of trouble.
Splash run a range of activities run during the holidays that might help you stay out of trouble, including things like adventure sports, circus skills, graffiti, and go-karting. Some are free or you might be entitled to a discount.
Or, if you are aged 14 – 23, you might want to get involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, which is a programme of activities for you to do in your spare time. There are three Awards to try for: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Gold takes the longest to do and is the hardest one to try for - usually, people start off on the Bronze award:
or you can contact the scheme at:
Court Gatehouse, Corsham Court, CORSHAM, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ
Tel: 01249 701000 Fax: 01249 701050
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
