To the average layperson, a common question they may ask is, can
police ask for ID in NSW?
While police have a significant number of powers to compel
citizens to provide information, this is not unlimited.
For the most part, these powers are contained in legislation
which make them easily accessible.
The following information will assist in understanding these
powers as well as your rights in refusing to comply when police are
overreaching.
Police can ask for ID in NSW if they suspect on reasonable
grounds that you may be able to assist in the investigation of an
indictable offence.
This could be because you were in the vicinity of an incident or
they have received information that you may have knowledge of the
alleged offence.
