The Arrest Handbook is one of our most widely requested publications offering easy-to-understand information on your rights when interacting with police on topics like arrest, detention, search and seizure, and youth and the law.
The new and expanded 2023 Arrest Handbook includes major updates to reflect changes in the legal landscape and new sections on heavily policed communities, mental health and involuntary treatment, civil disobedience, protest, and Indigenous resistance. The Handbook is available now in English, French, Punjabi, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
In addition to The Arrest Handbook, we have created The Arrest Pocketbook. The Pocketbook is a condensed 24-page version of the Handbook available in all six languages with a QR code to the full-length version on the back, allowing for easy, on-the-go access.
Download The Arrest Handbook and Pocketbook
| DOWNLOAD THE ARREST HANDBOOK | DOWNLOAD THE ARREST POCKETBOOK |
| English | English |
| French | French |
| Punjabi | Punjabi |
| Spanish | Spanish |
| Simplified Chinese | Simplified Chinese |
| Traditional Chinese | Traditional Chinese |
Ordering a Pocketbook or Handbook for a community group or organization
Printed copies of the Pocketbook and Handbook are available at no charge to community-serving groups and organizations. Quantities are limited and may not be immediately available for shipping. Please fill out the form below if you would like to order copies of the Handbook or Pocketbook and we will do our best to fulfill your order. If you are ordering more than five copies for your group, please email us directly.
Ordering a Pocketbook or Handbook as an Individual
Printed copies of the Handbook and Pocketbook are available to individuals for order by donation to help cover the costs of bringing back The Arrest Handbook and Pocketbook using the form below. Digital versions of the Handbook and Pocketbook can be downloaded for free. If finances are a barrier, and you would like us to send you a printed Handbook or Pocketbook, please fill out the form below indicating you are unable to make a donation at this time. Please note that due to limited stock individual orders are limited to one copy per language of the Arrest Handbook and Pocketbook.
Arrest Handbook and Pocketbook Order Form
The 2023 Arrest Handbook and Arrest Pocketbook were created with funding from the Law Foundation of BC and the Canadian Bar Law for the Future Fund. The BCCLA is responsible for all content.
The second printing of The Arrest Handbook and Arrest Pocketbook was generously funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.
