Here's How You Can Identify Different Police Ranks So You Can Protect Yourself
Do not be scared to practise your rights.
You ever feel extra nervous when you see police officers even though you're not doing anything illegal?
Me at a roadblock with my seat belt on, a valid driving license, and absolutely nothing questionable in my car:
No matter the situation, here's a list of legal rights meant to protect you when dealing with the police:
1. If stopped by a uniformed officer, take note of their name and ID number
This is one of the most crucial things to remember. According to the Malaysian Bar, you can find details such as their name and ID number on their uniform.
Besides that, you should also remember the number plate of their patrol vehicle.
2. If you are stopped by an officer who is not in uniform, politely ask to see their authority card
Each Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officer has their own authority card. They are categorised into different colours based on an officer's rank.
If the officer presents you a red police authority card, it means that they have been suspended from the police force and they do not have the authority to apprehend anyone. You do not have to follow the orders of a suspended officer and it is your right to walk away.
Authority cards also come in blue for those ranked inspector and above, yellow for officers below the rank of inspector, and white for reserve officers.
The Star reported that an officer of at least the rank of inspector must be present when making arrests, conducting raids, roadblocks, or body searches.
3. You are not required to give out personal information besides your name, IC number, and address. If an officer asks other questions, politely reply with "Am I under arrest?"
If an officer says you are under arrest, do not resist.
You may ask the reason why as well as which police station you will be taken to. An arrest is unlawful if you are not informed of the reason.
If you are not under arrest, you may walk away or refuse to follow the officer to the police station or anywhere else.
4. Individuals under arrest have the right to a phone call
You may telephone a family member, a friend, or a lawyer.
You can also call a nearby Legal Aid Centre (LAC) and inform them that you have been arrested along with details such as the time, place, and reason of the arrest.
The LAC phone numbers are:
- Kuala Lumpur: +603-2691 3005 / 03-2693 2072
- Selangor: +603-5510 7007 / 03-3281 2428
- Negeri Sembilan: +606-6013 844
- Melaka : +606-2845 519 / 06-2864 514
- Johor: +607-2235 698
- Perak: +605-2550 523
- Kedah and Perlis: +604-7333 467
- Kelantan: +604-7448 660
- Pahang: +609-5159 244 / 09-2969 410
- Penang: +604-2617 451/ 04-3108 451
5. Do not allow police officers to put their hands into your pockets or bags when conducting a body search without an arrest
The Malaysian Bar explained that the police may conduct a body search on you if you are present at a location that is being raided.
However, you should not allow the police officer to put their hands into your pockets or bags themselves.
Volunteer to empty your pockets and bags in their presence instead so they can see all of your belongings.
Take out your belongings one by one and identify each item. State the name of the item out loud and when your bags and pockets are empty, turn them inside out.
6. Upon arrest, police are allowed to conduct body searches to find items related to the suspected offence
You have the right to be bodily searched in private. The body search should be conducted in a confined space.
Besides that, all body searches are required to be carried out with decency and officers cannot touch your private parts.
7. A woman cannot be searched by a male officer
Do know that there is no law that requires people to strip naked.
Even when arrested, you may protest if you are forced or threatened to strip naked. Take note of the officer's name and you should lodge a police report against them after the incident.
The Malaysian Bar has compiled an easy guide to knowing your rights when stopped, questioned, and arrested by the police
You can find out more by downloading the pamphlet here.
