Name and Address

Under section 456AA of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) the police can ask for your name and address if they believe that you:

• Have broken the law; or
• Are about the break the law; or
• Are able to assist them with information about an indictable offenceA serious crime which is generally triable before a judge and jury. More.

PSOs only have the same powers as police to ask for your name and address in designated places. 

If the police/PSOs demand your name and address they must give you reasons for doing so. You should ask for these reasons.

They must also tell you their name, identification number, police station and rank. You should always ask for this information and ask that it be provided in writing.

You are also required to provide your name and address when you are:

• driving a car, motor bike, or boat – police do not need to give a reason for asking or stopping your vehicle  
• on public transport or public transport property and you don’t have a validLegally binding (q.v.) or effective. More ticket or are committing another public transport offence (e.g: putting your feet on the seats or smoking). Authorised Officers and PSOs can also ask for your name and address on or near public transport property. 
• in a hotel or licensed premises and they want to verify your age

In these circumstances it is an offence with a maximum of 5 penalty units to refuse to give your name and address or to give false details.

In designated places PSOs have the same power as police to demand your name and address. 

If you give a false name and address (or refuse to give these) when arrested and taken into custodyControl; e.g. when arrested and not free to leave; formerly, care and control of a child. More, you will likely be held unitl they can verify your identity – or until they can take you before a court.

It can also affect whether you get bail.