Sava's Place

The police wants to search my server, my personal computer or my phone. What do I do ?

Don’t consent to a search

• Say “NO”, and tell the police to come back with a warrant
• If you voluntary agree to a search, they don’t need a warrant to get into your house or search your computer

Ask to see a search warrant

• If the police say they have a warrant, you have the right to see it
• Make sure they are only searching the areas the warrant authorizes them to search

You can say silent

• You don’t have to say a word to the police or help their search
• You don’t have to give your encryption keys or passwords to the police
• If you decide to talk to the police, tell them the truth. Lying to the police is a crime
• Once the police are searching your home or your computer don’t interfere or obstruct their search

Talk to lawyer

• If the police wants to search your home, your business or your electronic devices – or even just talk to you – you should talk to a lawyer before any search or discussion with the police
• A lawyer can help you deal with the police and may be able to help you get back any electronic devices the police took from you while searching

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