How to communicate with the police during a pandemic

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Know your rights, but do not download them too actively, otherwise they may be punished for resisting the police.

Why did this question even arise?

The pandemic has given rise to new concepts like self-isolation and new powers of regional leaders. Because of this, confusion often arises: is self-isolation a quarantine or not? What can and cannot be done? And laws change more often than usual.

Interaction with the police turns into a task with an asterisk, because the updated requirements may not only be known to you, but also to them. A situation arises in which any citizen needs to carefully study the regulations and know their rights.

What you need to know to avoid problems with the police

Let's make a reservation right away that awareness will protect you only if you and the police have the same version of what is happening. But this knowledge will definitely help minimize problems.

Quarantine and self-isolation are different things

And they will be fined for their violation in different ways. Quarantine must be observed by those who have suspected or confirmed coronavirus, as well as those who have just arrived from abroad. Now the borders are actually closed, so there are not many people from the latter category. But compatriots continue to return with special boards.

Quarantined people are required to stay at home at all times. They should not leave their home under any circumstances. For violators, liability is provided under article 6.3 of the Administrative Code. And if, because of their actions, someone falls ill or dies, they will be punished already within the framework of the Criminal Code. Accordingly, for violation of quarantine, you can get from a fine to a real term.

At first, self-isolation was from a legal point of view a recommendation. However, in April, amendments to the law entered into force, which introduced liability for non-compliance with the rules of conduct during high alert. It can be announced by the authorities in the regions, which they used.

For example, in Moscow, citizens are obliged not to leave their place of residence without a valid reason. And in St. Petersburg, people under 65 years of age without chronic diseases are only advised to stay at home. There are also all-Russian rules.

Changes in laws should be monitored regularly

Ignorance of the laws does not absolve you of responsibility. Therefore, before leaving home, it is important to read what prohibitions exist. This should be done even if you have everything in order with your memory: in a pandemic, regulations are updated frequently. The documents you need can be found on the regional government website.

Read them in their entirety because there may be important clarifications in the text. For example, in St. Petersburg there is no ban on going outside - only a recommendation to stay at home. But it is forbidden to appear in parks and squares. And many Petersburgers got burnt on this very thing.

If you need some kind of document to leave the house, it is worth issuing it

Now in many regions, passes are required for travel. Permanent ones are given to those who have to commute to work, and temporary ones are given to everyone else. For example, in Moscow, one-time digital passes have been introduced for those who travel by car. However, only on April 23, the police found more than 200 thousand people who traveled without these documents.

It doesn't matter how you feel about restrictions, just remember: by breaking the law you are not proving anything to anyone, only you can also be fined.

As a rule, you can go to the store and throw out the trash without a pass. If a police officer decides to check if you are violating the regime, he will look at the registration. If you live in another place, it is better to play it safe and have with you some kind of document confirming this. Suitable, for example, a lease agreement or free use of an apartment.

Better to take your passport with you

The Federal High Alert Code of Conduct requires citizens to carry an identity card. If you don't have your passport with you, the police can take you to the police station to find out who you are. Keep in mind: you cannot be detained for more than three hours.

Why can a police officer stop you?

A law enforcement officer has the right to do this:

• if you are breaking the law;
• if you suspect that you have committed a crime or are on the wanted list;
• to check a permit or license if you are doing something for which it is needed;
• if there is a reason to initiate an administrative offense case against you.

In a coronavirus pandemic, the very fact that you are on the street may be a reason to stop. What if you are breaking the law?

What to do if a police officer stops you

Most likely, an officer of the authorities wants to check your documents to find out if you are following the rules. Do not offer resistance (you may be fined for this) and do not panic. Show your passport and pass, which gives you the right to be on the street.

By the way, the policeman must first introduce himself. You can also ask him to show his ID. Ideally, you should record what is happening on video yourself or ask someone: this can be useful in further proceedings.

If you are asked to show a document that you are not required to have, or they talk about bans that are not introduced in the region, refer to the correct regulation and explain the situation. Meticulousness can save you from being fined. And if it doesn’t save you, you will still have the opportunity to challenge it. The police are empowered to draw up protocols, and the final decision on whether there was a violation and what punishment should follow is made by the court.

Law enforcement officials can also take you to the department to clarify the circumstances of the case. In case of detention, Lifehacker has detailed instructions.

What to do if you do not consider yourself a violator

As we have already said, you will have to defend your innocence in court. You have several reasons for this.

If there was no offense

You rent an apartment with a partner and are registered with your parents. We went out for bread, and you were stopped by a patrol. In court, you have to prove that you did not do anything prohibited: you can go to the store.

There is also a chance that they will want to attract you for the wrong article. For example, for some time citizens who violated self-isolation were fined under Article 6.3 of the Administrative Code “Violation of legislation in the field of ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population”. But then the decisions began to be canceled. The fact is that the article can only be applied to those who violated the quarantine, and the Supreme Court confirmed this.

So, if you are not sick and were abroad a long time ago, and a protocol was drawn up against you under Article 6.3 of the Administrative Code, it is highly likely that there will be no offense.

If you left home for a good reason

Let's say you were actually found on the other side of the city. But you were visiting a brother who broke his leg and needs help. In court, you can show your relative's sick leave, proof that he lives near the place where you were stopped, as well as a receipt received when buying food for him.

Good reasons are usually listed in the regulation in your area. This can be an appeal to a medical facility for emergency help or support of disabled relatives.

What to remember

1. While the pandemic is in full swing, it is better not to leave the house without a good reason.
2. If you are leaving your home for a good reason, stock up on supporting documents. Better to spend an extra half hour on this than half a day talking to the police and the court.
3. Check with local regulations for your rights and responsibilities. This will help you avoid making mistakes.
4. When meeting with the police, do not panic, answer questions, show your documents. Better to record the meeting on video.
5. Remember: the policeman only writes out the protocol, the final decision is up to the court.

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