A critical balance must be struck by government, in the modern democracy, to ensure the right to privacy of its citizens against the ability to protect and preserve their safety.<\/p>\n
Articles written by Renee Viellaris from The Courier Mail, revealed how police are \u201croutinely accessing detailed phone records\u201d for thousands of Queenslanders.\u00a0 The article also highlights how a warrant is not necessary to access information, rather phone companies are required to pull records if it is signed off by an inspector.<\/p>\n
The issue came to light after police investigators were accused of conducting fake criminal probes which were used in circumstances such as when an officer was suspected of \u2018throwing a sickie\u2019, if police cadets were having sexual relationships and when an officer was missing on the job for several hours.<\/p>\n
Records which are provided to police by telephone companies include:<\/p>\n
It is highlighted in the article that \u201cno warrant is required but requests must be within the bounds of strict federal laws which limit use for criminal investigations, enforcement of laws that impose monetary penalties, protecting public revenue and finding missing persons.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is also revealed by Renee Viellaris that increasingly other government agencies are relying upon telephone records, such as in circumstances where there have been crimes against animals and trees.<\/p>\n
Robyn Ironside from The Courier Mail reveals that police are also using information recorded on Go Cards to track alleged offenders and potential witnesses for crimes ranging from murders to flashing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are no longer in a society where investigations are purely conducted by asking for eye witnesses or conducting a search of premises through a search warrant.\u00a0 The evolution of modern technology and a desire by the Government to stay ahead of criminals by allowing for quick response times in situations of life and death and to save on costs in investigating has meant that increasingly our movements are becoming more and more easily traceable\/monitored.<\/p>\n
I advise any person questioned by police that they are only obliged to provide police with their name and address, and to provide a proof of identity when asked.\u00a0 Any other questions that police ask should not be answered until you are able to contact an independent lawyer.\u00a0 Irrespective of how innocent the questioning may seem it is critical to obtain legal advice.\u00a0 An individual might feel pressured to answer as the officer says they have records showing their phone contact or movements etc.<\/p>\n
However, do not be persuaded that you should assist with their inquiries even if they state that you could be released by doing so or that you \u2018don\u2019t need a lawyer\u2019.\u00a0 An independent lawyer can provide proper advice about what a person should or shouldn\u2019t answer, advise in areas concerning court process and\/or likely penalty, and can determine if the material obtained was even in accordance with the strict federal laws.<\/p>\n
Often I hear clients say after the fact that they only wanted to assist the police with their inquiries and did not want to seem guilty by calling a lawyer.\u00a0 However, what I tell them is that even the police when they are questioned generally ask for legal assistance through their police services union, so why shouldn\u2019t every person do the same?\u201d<\/p>\n
Quinn & Scattini can assist clients who are either asked to assist police with their inquiries or charged.\u00a0 Obtaining legal advice and assistance at an early stage quite often radically alters the consequences for a client.<\/p>\n
Our team have the experience and expertise to obtain the best possible result.<\/p>\n
As one of our clients said “Invest in the best. Q&S<\/em>“.<\/p>\n Get the best representation. Contact Quinn & Scattini Lawyers on\u00a01800 999 529<\/a>, email\u00a0mail@rmold.newwebsite.live<\/a>, or submit an enquiry below.<\/p>\n\u8054\u7cfb\u6211\u4eec<\/h3>\n