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Criminal & traffic law

Information the police hold about you: How to get access to it

Overview

How can I check what information the police hold about me?

You’re entitled to have access to the information that any organisation has about you, whether it’s a private business or a government agency like the police.

You can ask the police whether they have any information about you, and they have to then confirm whether or not they have any information about you. If they do, they have to provide you with access to it, with some exceptions.

For more details, see: “Privacy and information”.

Note: To get a copy of your criminal record, you can apply online, here (or go to: justice.govt.nz and search “get your own criminal record”). You can also find out from the Ministry of Justice if you have any fines owing or how much your fines are.

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Police powers

Where to go for more support

Community Law

Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice.

Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres

YouthLaw Aotearoa

YouthLaw provides free legal advice for young people throughout New Zealand. Their website provides great information for young people about the law.

Website: www.youthlaw.co.nz
Email: nzyouthlaw@gmail.com
Phone: 0800 UTHLAW (0800 884 529)

New Zealand Law Society

The Law Society has helpful information on your rights when dealing with the police.

Website: www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/common-legal-issues/you-and-the-police

Independent Police Conduct Authority

The Independent Police Conduct Authority website has information about how the Authority receives and investigates complaints about the Police.

Website: www.ipca.govt.nz
Email: info@ipca.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 503 728

To make a complaint online: complaints.ipca.govt.nz/195

Police Detention Legal Assistance (PDLA)

Under the PDLA scheme, you can talk to a lawyer for free if you’ve been arrested. The service is provided for free, 24/7.

Email: legalaidprovider@justice.govt.nz
Phone: 04 918 8800

For more information: www.justice.govt.nz/about/lawyers-and-service-providers/legal-aid-lawyers/pdla

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