londoners, what to do if u are approached by security services

[Umm al_khair]

The Security Service MI5 and MI6

 

These agents have no power of arrest and you do not have to speak with

them.

 

Special Branch and The Police

 

Arrests and searches are carried out by constables. All police officers

are constables and can arrest any person they suspect may have been

involved in a crime.

 

What to do if you are approached by the security and intelligence

services

 

If you have not been arrested

 

1. Do not panic. Do not run or be rude.

 

2. Ask if you are being arrested. If not ask if you are free to leave.

 

3. Inform the officer you are happy to co-operate with them but only

through your solicitor.

 

4. Request the officers Name, Rank and telephone number -

 

5. Provide them with your solicitors name and telephone number.

 

If you have been arrested

 

1. You should give your name, DOB and address to police. Do not answer

questions beyond your name, DOB and address without your lawyer because

even comments that do not have any legal significance can be used to

'profile the Party'. Please be aware, the police are trained to be

'nice', some may even claim they are supportive of your cause! This is

to get you to speak.

 

2. Contact McCormacks Solicitors immediately and ask to speak to Tayab

Ali on 020 7791 2000 for further immediate advice. If McCormacks are not

available use the duty solicitor. Legal advice can only be withheld for

a maximum of 48 hours. So be patient. ALWAYS CONTACT A LAWYER.

 

3. Make sure your family are aware of what to do if you are detained or

'disappear'. It is a good idea that a member of your family knows the

details of your solicitor and a contact of the shabab so that they can

inform them in case of an emergency.

 

4. if we come across any case where a shab has been arrested or

detained, PLEASE offer support to the family and visit them. They are

not under any obligation to speak to police informally and really should

avoid doing so, as the police can behave irrationally in this tence

time.

 

 

Below you can see in details how to

deal with searches under the Terrorism Act 2000.

 

Terrorism Act - Section 44: Police Searches Your rights

 

DURING SECTION 44 SEARCHES

 

 

* The police can only give you a pat down, remove outer clothes

(eg jacket, hat), search your bags and have you empty your pockets

* You do not have to give your name and address

* You do not have to explain why you are there

* You are not allowed to flee the search, but you are not required

to be actively compliant. You are allowed to 'go limp' as passive

resistance during the search if you wish not to comply

* There is no permission to collect DNA data during the search

* You do not have to comply with any attempt to photograph or

record you

* Women cannot be touched by male police during these searches

* Make notes about the officers searching you - name, number and

police force

* Note the time and the events preceding the search

* Note the specific wording used by the police to explain their

authority to search you

* Ask the police for the reason that they are searching you.

Specifically, are they searching for terrorists or are they simply

trying to deter, delay or inconvenience you?

AFTER SECTION 44 SEARCHES

* Hold on to the Search Record or any other documentation the

police give you (or note if you don't receive one).

* Make brief notes about the search while you still remember all

the details

* Do not write anything down on the day that you don't want

disclosed to the police. Police may search you again and be able to read

anything that you have written down

 

MAY ALLAH GIVE SABR TO ALL OUR BELOVED BROTHERS & SISTERS WHO WILL OR HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS AAMEEN.

[Valenteenah.]

Thank you, Ukthi.

 

The Muslim Association of Britain (I think) give out tiny booklets which contain all sorts of helpful information - including your rights and what to do if your stopped/searched, arrested, verbally or physically abused..etc - and contact numbers (police complaints, media complaints, solicitors, Victims Support...etc).

 

Very handy.