Civil Liberties

"If you are stopped by a cop you are probably best advised to give your name and address and any official document that you are obliged to carry, like a drivers licence."

This was the advice given by Law Faculty member Rodger Clark at a Civil Liberties discussion held recently.

"Generally the Police do not have to identify themselves, but you could probably get one to if you asked," he said. "An exception is under the Narcotics act, where the officer is bound to identify himself."

Mr Clark discussed a recent Christchurch case where a demonstrator had refused to have his fingerprints taken, claiming that they were not necessary to identify him as Section 57 of the Police Offences Act states.

Mr. Evans, SM. had upheld this view and the demonstrator was acquitted, although the police through the Crown Law Office were appealing the case.