Police Powers

A person who is a witness to, or the  victim of, a crime allegedly committed by you can file a complaint with the police. The police will then decide whether or not to investigate.

Once the investigation has been completed, the police can arrest you if they have reasonable grounds to believe that you committed a criminal offence. They can deprive you of your freedom, in most cases temporarily. If you are under the age of 18, they can also apply extrajudicial measures against you.

The police then submit a report on their investigation to the criminal and penal prosecuting attorney, who will decide if there is enough evidence to charge you. You may be released at this point.

After your release

If the police decide to release you, they may also:

• give you an appearance notice;
• have you sign a promise to appear, and then give you a copy; or
• ask you to enter into a recognizance.

The documents all state where and when you must attend court, along with other information.

If the police do not give you any document when you are released,  you may receive an appearance notice later, stating where and when you must attend court.

An arrest warrant may also be issued against you.