Police are at my door — what do I do?

This is a stressful situation. The most important thing to know is: you have rights. Police must follow rules. Here’s what to do.

Step 1: You do NOT have to open the door

This is the first and most important thing: you do not have to open your door. You are not legally required to open your door for police unless they have a warrant that specifically says they can enter.

If police are at your door, you can talk to them through the door or through a window. You do not have to let them in.

Step 2: Ask to see their warrant card through the window

You have the right to ask police to show their identification. Look at their warrant card through the window or crack the door — check:

• Their name
• Their photo
• Their station
• Their identification number

If they won’t show ID and don’t have a warrant, you can say: “I don’t have to open the door without a warrant. Please leave your contact details and I will seek legal advice.”

Step 3: You do NOT have to answer questions

This is critical: you do not have to answer police questions without a lawyer present. You can say:

“I want to speak to a lawyer before I answer any questions.”

Do not say anything else. Do not try to explain your side. Do not argue. Do not admit to anything. Just say you want a lawyer and then say nothing more.

Anything you say to police can be used in court. It’s better to be quiet and get legal advice than to say something that hurts your case later.

Step 4: Ring VALS — 1800 641 072

VALS (Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service) is free for Aboriginal people. Call 1800 641 072 immediately if police are at your door, or if you’ve been arrested, or if you’ve been charged with anything. Tell them:

• Where you are
• What’s happening
• Whether you’ve been arrested

They can give you legal advice over the phone immediately.

Step 5: Ring Swan Hill CLC — (03) 5032 1688

Swan Hill Community Legal Centre can also provide legal advice. If VALS is busy, call them. They can help with:

• Explaining your rights
• Connecting you with a lawyer
• Advising you on what to do next

Step 6: If you’re arrested

If police arrest you, you have the right to:

• Ask for a lawyer immediately — say “I want to speak to a lawyer”
• Call someone — a family member, friend, or VALS
• Remain silent — you do not have to answer questions
• Ask for an Aboriginal police officer or support person

Do not sign anything without a lawyer reading it first. Police may try to get you to sign a statement or an admission. Do not sign anything until you’ve spoken to VALS or a lawyer.

Step 7: If you’re Aboriginal — you can ask for an Aboriginal police officer

If police are interacting with you and you’re Aboriginal, you can ask: “Can I speak to an Aboriginal police officer?” They should try to accommodate this. You can also ask for the LECC (Law Enforcement Conduct Commission) if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly: 1800 651 203.

Key numbers

• 1800 641 072 — VALS (free Aboriginal legal service)
• (03) 5032 1688 — Swan Hill CLC (free legal advice)
• 1800 651 203 — LECC (Law Enforcement Conduct Commission — complaints about police)