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Chapter 5 · The UK government, the law and your role

Life in the UK test questions on the police and your rights

The police keep the peace, prevent and investigate crime, and must obey the law themselves. Their work is overseen by police and crime commissioners in England and Wales and by independent bodies that handle complaints. If you are arrested you have the right to be told why, and to speak to a solicitor.

Below are 5 free questions on the police and your rights, taken from handbook section 5.14. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

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Questions and answers on the police and your rights

The same 5 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. What is the job of the police in the UK?

    • To protect life and property, keep the peace and prevent and detect crime — correct answer
    • To pass new laws about crime
    • To decide the sentence for a convicted person
    • To collect council tax

    The police protect life and property, keep the peace and investigate crime. Making law is for Parliament and sentencing is for the courts. Handbook section 5.14.

  2. 2. What should you do if you witness a crime?

    • Report it to the police — correct answer
    • Deal with it yourself
    • Report it to your MP
    • Wait for the council to notice

    Crimes should be reported to the police, who investigate them. In an emergency you dial 999; for other matters there is a non-emergency number. Handbook section 5.14.

  3. 3. Select the TWO things a police officer must never do.

    • Misuse their authority — correct answer
    • Make a false statement — correct answer
    • Give evidence in court
    • Arrest someone they reasonably suspect of a crime

    Officers must not abuse their position, make false statements, be rude or abusive, or discriminate on racial grounds. Giving evidence and making lawful arrests are part of the job. Handbook section 5.14.

  4. 4. What can you do if you believe a police officer has treated you unlawfully?

    • Complain to the police force, to an independent body, or to your MP — correct answer
    • Nothing; police decisions cannot be challenged
    • Ask a different officer to overturn it
    • Take the officer's uniform to a magistrate

    Complaints can go to the force itself, to the independent body that oversees police conduct, or through your MP. Serious complaints are investigated independently. Handbook section 5.14.

  5. 5. What does a Police and Crime Commissioner do?

    • Sets local policing priorities and holds the Chief Constable to account — correct answer
    • Decides guilt in criminal trials
    • Commands officers on the street day to day
    • Writes the criminal law

    Police and Crime Commissioners are elected by the public in England and Wales. They set priorities for their force and hold the Chief Constable to account for results. Handbook section 5.14.

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