What can the police do?
Judicial police officers can hear anyone with information about a crime and its perpetrators, question the accused, and seek the help of doctors and other experts (Article 41 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law)).
They may only administer the oath to witnesses or experts if they fear their statements could not be heard afterwards.
What happens at the scene of a crime caught in the act?
The judicial police officer goes straight to the scene, retains the physical evidence, documents the state of places and persons and takes statements. They can prevent people from leaving until a report is drawn up and may summon anyone who can clarify the incident (Articles 44 and 45).
Someone who leaves or refuses to appear is recorded in the report, sent to the Public Prosecution, and can be fined up to AED 5,000 by the court after a defence hearing (Article 45).
Can they arrest me?
Yes in the circumstances listed in Article 46, such as felonies, and misdemeanours caught in the act where the penalty is not a fine, and where there is cogent evidence.
Before they hear your statements they must tell you the charge and your right to remain silent, and you must be sent to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours (Article 48).
What is the end of the police stage?
The police report goes to the Public Prosecution, which takes over the investigation (Article 65).
Everything you said at the police stage will be read again at the prosecution. That is why we want to be involved before the first statement.
What should I do first?
Stay calm and polite
Resisting makes it worse.
Ask for the charge and your right to silence
They must tell you (Article 48).
Ask for an interpreter
Do not sign what you cannot read.
Call a lawyer or have someone call
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Frequently asked questions
Can the police question me without a lawyer?
Article 48 does not give a lawyer right at the police stage, but you can ask for one. Your attorney's right to attend is in Article 98 at the prosecution stage.
Can I be stopped from leaving a crime scene?
Yes, in a flagrante delicto case, until a report is drawn up (Article 45).
How long can they hold me?
You must be sent to the Public Prosecution within 48 hours (Article 48).
What happens after the police?
The Public Prosecution investigates and decides the direction of the case (Article 65).
Related guides
Police Complaints overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewPolice Summons
Who can summon you, what happens if you do not attend, and how a prosecution notice to appear differs from a police summons.
Read the guideRights After Arrest
What the law says must happen after an arrest: being told the charge, the right to remain silent, access to a lawyer, an interpreter and the time limits for seeing the prosecution.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.