whether it be a serious (indictable) or less serious (summary) one, or you are able to help them with information about an indictable offence which has been committed or which they suspect has been committed. The police must tell you why they want your name and address. If they do not give you a reason, you should ask for it. It is an offence to refuse to give your name and address, or to give false details to police or public transport officers. A police officer must also tell you their name, police station, and rank, either orally or in writing, if you ask. It is an offence for a police officer to refuse to give you this information, to give you a false name, rank, or name of police station, or to refuse to give you this information in writing if you so ask for it. Being Searched by the police The police can only search you or your car if they suspect that they will find illegal drugs, weapons or stolen goods, or to preserve evidence. For any other purpose, they will need a search warrant. For example, if the police wants to come to your house to search, ask to see the warrant. But the police can search a house without a warrant if they believe that they will find someone who has committed a "serious indictable crime" or who has escaped custody. Being arrested by the police The police can only arrest you if: they have