Know Your Rights: What the Police Can and Cannot Do During an Encounter

Have you ever been stopped by the police in your daily life? For most citizens, the answer is “Yes.” Whether it’s a routine traffic stop or a preventive check by criminal police, these encounters are common.

While law enforcement is the guarantor of public order, recent events have shown cases of abuse of power, where citizens’ legal rights were violated. A clear example is the recent illegal pressure exerted by a high-ranking official on a minor.

At Khlaws, we believe that knowledge is your strongest shield. Here is what you need to remember to protect yourself from legal overreach:

1. Identification

If a police officer stops you for identification, presenting your ID is sufficient.

Remember:

• Officers are NOT allowed to take your photo with their private mobile phones. Your personal data should not be stored on a private device.

• Always demand an official report (protocol) after the identification process.

2. Surface Inspection vs. Search

According to Article 22 of the “Law on Police,” a surface inspection only allows touching the outer surface of your clothing by hand or with a special device.

Remember:

• If an officer reaches inside your pockets or conducts a full vehicle search, this is no longer an “inspection”—it is a Search.

• A search requires a court warrant or a formal investigator’s decree. Demand an immediate stop if these are missing.

3. Mobile Phone Inspection

Lately, officers have been asking citizens to hand over their phones for “inspection.” This is not provided for by the Law on Police.

Remember:

• An officer has no right to demand your phone.

• Looking through your phone falls under the Criminal Procedure Code (Article 136) and strictly requires a judge’s warrant.

Don’t leave your rights to chance. Knowing the boundary between police authority and your personal freedom is the key to your safety.

Our Philosophy: Peace of Mind, Reliability, and Victory!

Article Author: Avto Basiladze

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📍 Tbilisi, Georgia