Victoria Legal Aid

Identification parades and photos

Your rights if the police want you to take part in an ID parade or to take your photo without your permission.

You do not have to participate in an identification parade.

Police must get your permission before taking your photo.

Identification parades

An identification parade is where the police put you in a line-up of people. They ask a witness to look at the line-up to see if they can pick you out as the person who committed the offence.

You do not have to be in an identification parade. The witness could make a mistake and pick you when you did not commit the offence. Get legal advice.

Photos

The police may take a photo of your face so they can tell who you are:

  • in a police cell
  • if you are released from custody on bail but with conditions that you report back to a police station.

You can refuse to have a photo taken of your face or any other part of you. It might end up being used as evidence. For example, you can refuse to let the police officer take photos of your injuries (like bites) or special features (like tattoos).

The police officer cannot use any force to make you have a photo. You can make a complaint if the police officer takes your photo without your permission.

In some cases, the police may get a court order so they can photograph you. If this is granted, you will have to consent.

Other support

Find out how you can get other support for your rights when it comes to police powers.

Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Reviewed 11 April 2022

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