Your rights in public places You have a right to hang out where you like, with anyone you like, as long as you're not harming other people or damaging property. If you are in a public place, police have no right to hassle you unless they reasonably believe you are causing, or likely to cause, harm to others. Causing harm means "threatening", "intimidating", "obstructing" or "being offensive". If police don't treat you fairly, you can complain to the NSW Ombudsman. You have the right to know: why police are giving you a direction or making a request and what the direction or request means you have to do, or not do. If police make a direction or request, you can simply agree to it, and avoid more hassles. Remember, it is an offence not to obey a lawful police direction. If you think the request or direction is unfair, be sensible and stay calm. Don't swear or use violence - if you do, police will then have the power to arrest and charge you. If you believe police have acted unfairly, make a complaint. Get Street Smart - main menu | Your rights in public places | What if the police approach me? | What if they ask for ID? | Police questioning and interviews | Searches: drugs; weapons; strip searches | Security guards | How to make a complaint | Contacts

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The information contained on this page is not legal advice. If you have a legal problem you should talk to a lawyer before making a decision about what to do. The information on this page is written for people resident in, or affected by, the laws of New South Wales, Australia only.