pedalsheep wrote:Sweep wrote:robing wrote:Going back to the initial incident, did the OP have to give their name and address to the cop, or could they have just chosen the right to remain silent? It's a bit a grey area. They could in theory arrest you, but for what, a bye law?
Yes - I wonder about this.Many of these folk aren't actually police.
I am a law abiding sort but don't welcome getting fined for being somewhere I am supposedly not supposed to be if I am being considerate and careful.
What's really to stop you being pleasant as pie to the person and just giving a sensible sounding false name and address? Do they look up what you tell them on an online database to check?
When I was stopped I was asked to produce documents to prove my identity (I used a bank card and a chainsaw proficiency test card!). I don't know what would have happened if I claimed to have no ID.
First, the folks who have the power to stop cyclists, even if they are not police, usually also have the power to request your name and address under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS). Secondly, if you don't have identification
-it is an offence to give false information
-if they have cause to believe that you have given false information, you may be taken for a visit to a station (or park warden's office, or other convenient location) until they can verify your information
If the person who requests your information is not a police officer, they certainly have communication with the police. Some use police radios, or have another, relatively direct means of communication with police. The CSAS includes the Police Community Support Officers, Park Wardens, transport PCSOs, etc.