Statement for Police Cards

The cards, which are purchased in bulk by many organizations across Canada, advise citizens of their legal rights upon arrest, in plain English or French. Telephone numbers for information lines for your province can be put on the back of personalized cards.

The cards fold in two. One half, with the statement for police, can be detached and given to the police upon arrest.

The other half of the card, giving the rights, can be kept. It also lists a 1-866 phone number for legal aid lawyer, and lists the number to report a police officer to the Police Complaint Commission.

The Statement For Police half of the card can be given to the police officer after being read out. It reads:

"Officer, if I am under arrest or being detained, please tell me so. If I am free to go, please tell me so. If I am not free to go, please tell me why. I wish to exercise all my legal rights including my right to silence and my right to speak to a lawyer before I say anything to you. I do not consent to be searched. I wish to be released without delay. Please do not ask me questions, because I will not willingly talk to you until I speak to a lawyer. Thank you for respecting my rights."

The Statement for Police cards are available at the PGAUJS office.