Police — your rights
999 — emergency (life in danger). 101 — non-urgent. If arrested you get a free solicitor and interpreter. Police are NOT immigration. Carry your ARC/eVisa with you.
🔍 Stop and search
Your rights — ask for:
• Their badge number
• Their name
• The reason for the search
• Their police station
You can write this down. If there are no reasonable grounds, the search is unlawful.
⚖️ If arrested
• Free solicitor — duty solicitor, 24/7, always free
• Free interpreter — in any language
• 1 phone call — to tell someone where you are
• Right to silence — you do NOT have to answer questions
• 24 hours maximum — without being charged
Important: ALWAYS ask for a solicitor. Do not sign anything without a solicitor. Do not refuse an interpreter.
📞 Report a crime
• 101 — non-urgent (theft, vandalism, suspicious activity)
• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 — completely anonymous, free
Police are NOT immigration. Their job is to protect everyone. Do not be afraid to call.
🚫 Hate crime
Where to report:
• report-it.org.uk — report online
• Tell MAMA — anti-Muslim hate
• CST — antisemitism
• Galop — anti-LGBT+ crime
• Or call 999/101
🆘 Domestic violence
• Women's Aid — womensaid.org.uk
• Support for Migrant Victims — special scheme for migrants
Your immigration status will NOT affect the help you receive. You will be helped regardless of status.
🛂 Police and immigration
But: there is no complete "firewall" between police and the Home Office. In rare cases data may be shared.
The main rule: if you are in danger — ALWAYS call 999. Your safety comes first.
🪪 ID documents
• ARC (Application Registration Card) — if you are an asylum seeker
• eVisa — if you have status
This makes contact with police easier and avoids misunderstandings.
Frequently asked questions
Will police share my data with the Home Office?
Police are NOT immigration enforcement. But there is no complete firewall — in rare cases data may be shared. However, if you are in danger — ALWAYS call 999. Your safety comes first.
Do I have to carry ID?
There is no law in the UK that says you must carry ID. But we recommend always having your ARC (Application Registration Card) or eVisa with you. It makes contact with police easier.
Can I refuse a stop and search?
Police need "reasonable grounds" to search you. You have the right to ask for: badge number, name, reason for the search, and their police station. If there are no reasonable grounds, the search is unlawful.
How long can police hold me?
Maximum 24 hours without charge. For serious crimes — up to 96 hours with court permission. You have the right to a free solicitor and interpreter.
How do I report a crime anonymously?
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 — completely anonymous, free, 24/7. You can also report online at crimestoppers-uk.org. Your details are NOT passed to police.
What should I do about domestic violence?
Call 999 if in danger. National DV Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free, interpreters available). Your immigration status will NOT affect the help you receive. There is a special Support for Migrant Victims scheme.