You And The Police - Know Your Rights

Peel Regional Police strives to make our community safe for all people. To do this, we have some information that will help create a strong relationship between officers and citizens.

Commitment to Cultural, Ethnic and Religious Diversity

Peel Regional Polices' policy is to provide the best possible service in a fast, fair and reasonable manner to all people, without discrimination based on, but not limited to: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, sex, citizenship, marital or family status, physical or mental disability, criminal record or social condition.

For more information regarding your civil rights, visit the Canadian Civil Liberties Association website.

Need Assistance from a Police Officer?

• The police are here to help you, your family, your friends, and everyone else in your community.
• A police officer will come to your home if you call for assistance and an officer attendance is required. They may go into your home if you invite them, they have a search warrant, or it is an emergency situation.
• If you ask, a police officer will provide you with his or her name, badge number and telephone number for future contact.

Duties of Police Officers

• Protect life and prevent injury.
• Protect property.
• Preserve the peace.
• Prevent crimes and other offences.
• Arrest criminals, and others who may lawfully be taken into custody.
• Lay charges when there is evidence to prove an offence has taken place.
• Participate in prosecutions.
• Enforce municipal by-laws.

Police Stations Located in Brampton and Mississauga

Peel Regional Police Stations and Community Stations are located throughout Brampton and Mississauga.

What to do if Stopped

• When you see the red lights and/or hear the siren of a police vehicle approaching from behind you as you drive, remain calm. When it's safe to do so, slowly drive to the right side of the road towards the curb and come to a stop.
• Remain seated in your vehicle unless the officer advises otherwise.
• Ontario law requires drivers to show their driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance document when asked by a police officer. If your documents are in your vehicle tell the officer where they are before you reach for them.
• If you're stopped when it's dark please turn on your interior light.
• If you have passengers in your car encourage them to stay seated, remain quiet and cooperate with any instructions that the officer may give.
• The officer may give you a ticket if you have committed an offence under the Highway Traffic Act. If you don't understand what is happening ask the officer to spend some extra time explaining why you're receiving the ticket and what to do with it.
• Avoid being aggressive.
• If you receive a ticket, accept it calmly. Accepting the ticket does not mean you're guilty. If you feel you're not guilty you can argue your reasons in court.

Why you may be Stopped

You may be stopped by an officer if there is reason to believe you:

• Committed a crime.
• Are about to commit a crime.
• Have evidence relating to a crime (such as stolen property and illegal drugs).
• Are driving through a designated RIDE spot check.

What to do if Stopped in any Situation

• Keep your hands where the officer can see them. Don't put your hands in your pockets or clothing.
• Stay still and stay calm, don't walk or run from police and don't touch an officer.
• Cooperate with the officer. If you don't agree with the officer or like their behaviour you can make a complaint against that officer at any police station.

Police at Your Home

The police can enter a home if they:

• Have the consent of a resident.
• Have an arrest or search warrant.
• Believe there is a threat to the safety of any person.
• Are in the process of performing public safety functions such as responding to 9-1-1 calls, providing first aid, preventing serious harm to a person, or locating a person in need of protection.

If you are Arrested:

The following nine actions will take place:

• The officers will identify themselves as police officers.
• You will be told that you're under arrest.
• You will be advised of the reason for the arrest.
• The officer will take physical control of you. This may be as simple as the officer placing a hand on your shoulder.
• The officer will inform you that: you have the right to retain and instruct counsel without delay, you have the right to telephone any lawyer you wish, you have the right to free advice from a Legal Aid lawyer and If you're charged with an offence you may apply to the Ontario Legal Aid Plan for legal assistance.
• You will be asked if you understand your rights.
• You will be searched and should expect to be handcuffed, for public and officer safety, before being placed in a police vehicle.
• You may be released at the scene of the arrest or taken to a police station, depending on the circumstances.
• Once taken to a police station, you may be released by the Officer in Charge of the station, or held in custody to appear before a Justice of the Peace.

How to Compliment an Employee:

We take great pride in being recognized by members of the community we serve. Compliment an employee if you had a positive experience with them.

How to Make a Complaint Against a Police Officer:

Complaints may be made at any Peel Regional Police division or in writing.