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@beerandsteak
"Any information, all information will be used against you - always."
In what way exactly? I'm heartened to see a lot of the posts in this thread are on-side with police and can only surmise that you've had a particlarly unpleasant experience of them.
Yes, there is a 'Stops Database' in which details of people stopped/searched are inputted. However this is used only when needed to search on people already arrested or of particular interest to police in order to check out previous address/names given etc. (and when it is used, that fact is recorded) If you're a normal everyday person who rarely comes into contact with police and doesn't get arrested on a regular basis or for serious crimes (most people here I'm guessing) then you really have nothing to worry about.
There really isn't enough time in the day for the police to go looking up random people's details and using them for their own unspecified nefarious ends....
"Kids, never speak to an officer, if they ask you for your details, politely decline."
Yes, you don't need to give your details merely if you've been stopped. We'll wonder why though as most people tend to give their details. Most innocent people anyway. Case in point, I stopped a chap at about 0200 hours sitting on a bike. Lots of bike theft in the area. 'Let's have a word' thinks I. Gets a bit arsey about being stopped, refuses details, gets searched, has driving licence, name checked, matey's wanted.
Doesn't always happen like this granted but a nice example I think :)
And not speaking to an officer, or indeed anyone, is just quite rude. Even most naughty street kids are quite happy to chat away with us unless they're holding, in which case they just run!
Yes, I'm po-po. This is also me first post. Hello!