Dealing with Police

When you are on a working holiday you must remember you are not above the local law and subject to that countries rules and legal system. Dealing with police is critical in legal situations and something to remember to treat with respect. It is important to recognise that some countries have different protocols when dealing with foreigners and can often as part of the visa condition result in deportation.

You are allowed legal representation if you are taken into custody when being interviewed or questioned by police. Most police stations will have a defendant legal representative on hand to consult with. Likewise they can provide you with a list of legal representatives external to the legal representation provided and be called for.

It is important to recognise cultural differences in the country you are in. A good example is street drinking or drinking in public. This may impact the way your representation is carried out in court if it should come to that. Likewise dealing with police is critical in understanding that cultural difference.

It highly advised not to try and bribe the local police or offer payment for release as this makes a case against you even stronger – even if you have done nothing wrong.

Mistreatment by police is rare especially for foreigner as they know consulate representatives would intervene and this escalated the incident to diplomatic issues between nations. However it can occur and if you do feel that you were mistreated, threatened or harmed then raising this with your consulate is essential.