Your Rights and the Police » STOPPED ON STREET OR in BUILDING
What if you're stopped for questioning by the police on the street or in a building?
It’s not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but refusing to answer can make the police suspicious about you. You can’t be arrested merely for refusing to identify yourself on the street. Police may “pat-down” your clothing if they suspect a concealed weapon. Don’t physically resist, but make it clear that you don’t consent to any further search. Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have a right to know why. Don’t bad-mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. Doing so could lead to your arrest.