Can I Refuse To Give Police My Name And Address?

[dave50]

If I am out with friends and i get stopped by police for enjoying myself with friends from another household and try to issue a fine, what happens if we all refuse to disclose our names and addresses?

[ummmm]

They could arrest you.

[burlyshirley]

You'll be arrested.

[CrapAtCryptics]

A quick familiarisation tour of the local cells.

[davebro]

You can be detained until your identity is established I think. You might be someone of interest to the police - e.g. subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.

(As said earlier the police can't issue a fine - only a fixed penalty notice. If you don't pay you may be summoned to court who could then impose a fine.)

[Buenchico]

The police have indeed been arresting people for failing to provide their name and address when trying to issue them with a fixed penalty notice, and subsequently charging them with obstructing a police constable.

However the High Court ruled last month such actions are unlawful, as they in conflict with Articles 6 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights:
https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/litigation-and-enforcement/400-litigation-news/46281-judges-overturn-conviction-for-refusal-to-give-name-and-address-in-case-of-suspected-covid-regulations-breach

[saintpeter48]

Why don't you just give them your name, if you've got nothing to hide you have nothing to fear, if you break the law you get punished, its not rocket science!

[Canary42]

/// if you've got nothing to hide you have nothing to fear, ///

That's what the German Jews thought in the early Thirties. You never know when the State is going to turn nasty.