18/11/2025
What the Police are not allowed to do
during an Arrest
1. They CANNOT arrest you over civil matters
The police have no business arresting anyone
because of:
debts
rent issues
boyfriend-girlfriend quarrels
business disagreements
"He insulted me"
Those are civil matters. The police exist for crime, not private disputes.
2. They CANNOT beat, slap, torture, or brutalize you
No officer has the right to "discipline" you.
Torture is illegal whether physical, verbal, or
psychological. Even if you're a suspect, you are still
entitled to dignity under the law.
3. They CANNOT search your phone without your consent or a warrant
Your phone is private property. They cannot
forcefully open your messages, read your chats go through your gallery, access your banking apps unless there is a lawful basis like a court warrant or immediate suspicion connected to the crime they stopped you for.
4. They CANNOT detain you longer than 24-48
hours without charging you
They cannot keep you indefinitely. If there is
evidence, charge you. If there is no evidence
release you. Keeping you beyond the constitutional time frame becomes unlawful detention.
5. They CANNOT refuse you access to your lawyer or family You have the right to call a lawyer speak with someone close to you, have legal representation during interrogation, blocking this right is unconstitutional,
6. They CANNOT force you to sign a statement Vot even "just write your side." Not even "sign here." Your statement must be voluntarily written by you, made without threat, pressure, or intimidation If you're not comfortable, you can say:
'I prefer to remain silent until my lawyer arrives."
7. They CANNOT arrest you without telling you the reason, They must state the offence clearly. You cannot be arrested based on guesswork, vibes or "follow me to the station first."
8. They CANNOT search your body disrespectfully Women must be searched by female officers. No officer can conduct a degrading or inappropriate search the law forbids