If You Are Arrested

If you are arrested, the following will happen to you (young persons and adults):

• The officers will identify themselves as police officers.
• You will be told that you are under arrest.
• You will be told the reason for the arrest.
• The officer will take physical control of you. This may be as simple as placing a hand on your shoulder.
• The officer will inform you that:
  • You have the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay.
  • You have the right to telephone any lawyer you wish.
  • You have the right to free advice from a Legal Aid lawyer.
  • If you are charged with an offence you may apply to the Saskatchewan Legal Aid Plan for legal assistance.
• You will be asked if you understand your rights.
• You will be asked if you wish to call a lawyer.
• You will be searched and should expect to be handcuffed to the rear, for public and officer safety, before being placed in a police vehicle.
• You may be subject to a further search.
• You may be released or taken to a police station, depending on the circumstances.
• If you are taken to the police station, you will talk to the Officer in Charge of the station; who will ask you a series of questions. You may also ask questions of the Officer in Charge.
• At the station, you may be placed in an interview room or a holding cell.
• You may be released by the Officer in Charge, or held to appear before a Justice of the Peace.
• If you are released by the Officer in Charge, the release may be with or without conditions.
• If you are charged with an offence, you may wish to talk with a lawyer. You may apply to the Saskatchewan Legal Aid Plan for legal assistance.

Duties of Police Officers

• Protecting life and preventing injury
• Protecting property
• Preserving the peace
• Preventing crimes and other offences and providing assistance and encouragement to other persons in their prevention
• Assisting victims of crime
• Apprehending criminals and other offenders and others who may lawfully be taken into custody
• Laying charges and participating in prosecutions
• Executing warrants that are to be executed by police officers and performing related duties
• Performing the lawful duties that the chief of police assigns
• Enforcing municipal by-laws
• Completing prescribed training

Police have the legislated authority to arrest persons, to search and to seize property, and they may use reasonable force in the execution of their duties.