Know Your Rights Campaign
As the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) gears up for enforcement from Monday, March 11th at 12 am until Monday, March 18th at 11:59 pm, the Social Issues Commission (SIC) Know Your Rights Campaign is ensuring students are well-informed about their legal rights and responsibilities.
According to the campaign, police can stop individuals if there is suspicion of committing a crime, catching them in the act or about to commit a crime, or if they are driving. Additionally, police are authorized to conduct searches if a person is under arrest, has given consent, is in a location where a drug search is underway, is in a vehicle with illegal alcohol transport or consumption, or is suspected of possessing an illegal weapon.
Students are advised to be aware that bags may be subject to search upon entering the Queen’s Centre based on reasonable suspicion of alcohol or prohibited substances.
When questioned, individuals have the right to remain silent. If detained, it is crucial to ask if you are being detained or arrested. If detained, the police must inform you of your right to speak with a lawyer. However, choosing to speak with the police and lying may lead to charges, as anything said can be used as evidence in court.
Circumstances allowing police entry into a home include possessing a warrant, having a search warrant, obtaining permission, urgent circumstances threatening safety, or suspicion of a crime committed against the resident.
During the UDSI period, major by-laws in play include the Nuisance Party By-Law, Noise By-Law, and the Liquor License and Control Act (LLCA). The initiative changes the offences charged and introduces the possibility of non-academic consequences for Queen’s University students violating UDSI regulations.
Part 1 Court Summons may be issued for LLCA violations, while Nuisance Party By-Law violations can warrant a Part I Court Summons or an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) of up to $2000. AMPs may also apply to Noise By-Law violations.
Nuisance Parties, defined as gatherings involving public intoxication, alcohol distribution, property damage, obstruction of traffic, excessive noise, and more, carry fines ranging from $100 to $2000.
For those who wish to make a complaint against the police, avenues include informal conversation at a police station, local resolution without formal OIPRD involvement, or a formal complaint to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director for serious matters like neglect of duty or corruption.
As students gear up for the UDSI period, the SIC Know Your Rights Campaign emphasizes the importance of understanding and exercising one’s rights responsibly to navigate potential legal situations. For more information on by-laws and fines, check out the full Know Your Rights campaign on the Social Issues Commission Instagram.