The police do not have the right to demand your name or address without a reason. Generally, a police officer can only ask you to give your name and address if they believe you:
- have committed an offence
- are about to commit an offence.
For example, a police officer can ask you for your name and address if they believe you bought alcohol and you are under 18.
Other times the police can ask for your name and address are:
- if you are driving a vehicle or boat and a police officer signals for you to stop. You must stop and show the police officer your licence or permit
- if you are on the tram, train, bus or on public transport property (public transport inspectors and protective services officers can also ask for your name and address)
- if you are in a hotel or licensed premises (staff can also ask your age)
- if they believe you have information that could help them investigate an indictable offence. They must tell you what offence they think you can help them investigate.
The police must tell you why they want your details. If they don’t give you a reason, you should ask for it.
It is an offence to refuse to give police your name and address or to give police a false name and address if they have a lawful reason to ask you for your details.