Cop encounters

Visiting a police station to file a complaint can prove to be a harrowing experience for first timers. MiD DAY brings you a list of dos and don'ts to make it a little easier

Many people may have never visited a police station a place where one ends up only during difficult times. You go there only when you've been in an accident or when you have to lodge a complaint about a theft, robbery and the like.

A police station sports an unusual mix of several people ofu00a0 varying temperaments, purposes and outlooks.
Your visit to a police station could vary from being a breeze or the exact opposite.
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You could very well end up lost in a maze, unable to understand the language, let alone the law. And, one wrong move or gesture could end up making things more difficult.

Here, then, is a quick list of dos and don'ts.u00a0Remember: Everything that you do once you are inside a police station is observed, including what you wear, the language you speak, the people you call, the names you drop and your 'temperament'.

Be composed and courteous: Rude language will not take you anywhere. Policemen like gestures that make them feel important. A smile or a salute may do the trick.

Avoid phone calls, talking loudly: Maintain etiquette while you are in the station. Avoid taking phone calls or talking too loudly.

Always listen: Arguing with policemen does not help. Instead, listen to what they have to say and then put across your point of view. It is good manners too.u00a0u00a0

Mind your language: Address policemen with respect. Calling them a pandu or bhai is unadvisable. Instead, use words like commander for a constable or just stick to the tried-and-tested saheb.

Avoid being too friendly: Unless the policeman is really a friend, avoid gestures like tapping his shoulder. Stick to what you're there for.

Don't breathe down their necks: It is important to follow up your case, but don't pester policemen with constant phone calls or daily visits.

Don't brag about your contacts: If you have a person who is willing to help you in distress, keep it to yourself. Don't brag, for you might end up rubbing the policeman the wrong way .

Maintain decorum: Hurling abuses inside the police station should be avoided. Don't walk in whistling or listening to music. A serious, sober look will help.

Always follow protocol: Every police station has a senior police inspector who sits in a separate cabin. In case you wish to meet them, there will be an orderly outside. Pass in the requisition through him.

Stick to facts: Never file a false complaint or give wrong information to the police. It is a punishable offence and you can be prosecuted.

How to lodge an FIR:

A First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognisable offence. It is a report of information that reaches the police first in point of time.

It is generally a complaint lodged with the police by the victim of a cognisable offence or by someone on his/her behalf.

Why is it important?
An FIR is a very important document as it sets the process of criminal justice into motion. It is only after the FIR is registered that the police take up investigation of the case.

What is a cognisable offence?
A cognisable offence is one in which the police may arrest a person without warrant. They are authorised to start investigation into a cognisable offence on their own and do not require any orders from the court to do so.

What is a non-cognisable offence?
A non-cognisable offence is an offence in which a police officer has no authority to arrest without warrant. The police cannot investigate such an offence without the court's permission. The police may not begin investigating the case even if you file an FIR when:
(i) The case is not serious in nature;
(ii) The police feel that there is not enough ground to investigate.

What should you mention in the FIR?
' Your name and address;
' Date, time and place where the incident you are reporting took place
' The facts of the incident as they occurred;
' Names and descriptions of people involved in the incident