To date, as far as we know, no-one has been arrested on any actions on Hatfield Moor, but if you are not used to dealing with the police on actions then you might find it helpful to read the information below.

When the police have threatened arrest in the past they have mostly talked about 'aggravated tresspass', an offence created under the infamous 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which theoretically could carry quite heavy penalties, but in reality no-one hardly ever gets more than a fine or a bit of community service - if they even bother bringing the case to court. On 26/11/2001 police served everyone on site with a notice warning that if they entered the site again within 3 months then they would be arrested for aggravated tresspass, and tried to film faces for evidence.

Also, police have previously tried to collect names and addresses of everybody on site. You are under no legal obligation to give this information to the police if you are not under arrest, but the police threatened that they would make arrests if people didn't give names to them. On the 26th November they didn't try to collect any names, maybe they figured out that all the ones they got previously didn't exist!

The following text is from a 'Bust Card' which has been given out to people before actions:

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF ARREST:
Try and make sure someone has noticed that you’re being arrested and attempt to find out why and where you are being taken.

Try not to chat to the police, if they start to talk to you, politely explain that you don’t feel like talking.

AT THE POLICE STATION YOU STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT.
You are strongly advised to do so. They will tell you that it may harm your defence to stay silent. The basic principle remains that YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO SILENCE even under the criminal justice act 1994. DO NOT engage in an interview. – JUST SAY ‘NO COMMENT’ OR KEEP QUIET. Talking is far more likely to harm your case than benefit it, and you could be getting others into trouble.

When you get to the police station you are obliged to give your name. They will also ask for your address and date of birth (as well as other information, but you should not give any more information than this) If you withhold your address and DoB then it may delay your release.

They will ask if you want a solicitor.It is recommended that you find a solicitor that you can trust before going on the action.

NEVER let them supply you with a solicitor. They will also ask if you want anyone informed of your arrest. If you want someone informed in the event of arrest then please sort it out now and the message will be passed on.

DON’T TALK - TRY AND STAY CALM - RELAX, YOU’LL SOON BE OUT

For further information, you might find what you're looking for in this downloadable Basic Law for Road Protesters (last updated 1996, so it's a bit out of date but not too bad)