What to do if the police come
If you are in situation when you have to deal with the police, it usually helps to be cooperative.
The police can take you to the police station if
- you don’t have your passport or ID papers on you
- your tourist visa or your residence permit has expired
- you are working illegally as an escort.
In the final case, they have to be able to prove that you are working as an escort. They either have to catch you while you are with a client or be able to show one of your adverts. - The railway police have similar rights in the railway station and on trains as the police do!
If the police arrest you…
- you are entitled to call a lawyer immediately. If you don’t have a lawyer or you don’t know one then the police will be able to help you.
- you can request a translator.
- you can refuse to make a statement.
- you can refuse to sign anything unless your lawyer is present.
- Before you are deported, you are entitled to return to your apartment or hotel room to collect your personal effects.
Many uniformed security guards, such as those from Securitas or Protectas, are not police officers. They are employed by private security firms and often work as doormen in nightclubs. They have no right to check your documents or to question you about your activities or your job. If they catch you doing something criminal (for example stealing something) then they can take you to the police station.
