Understanding Stop & Search

What You Need to Know

Stop and search is a temporary check, not an arrest. Police can only do this if they have a good reason to suspect you might have something illegal. This guide helps you understand your rights and what should happen during a search.

Your Basic Rights

  • PACE and Code A must be available - Every police station should have copies of these rules, and you have the right to see them (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, PACE Code A 2023)
  • No discrimination allowed - Police cannot target you based on your race, religion, gender, or other protected characteristics
  • Children get extra protection - If you're under 18, police have additional duties to keep you safe
  • Quick and respectful - Searches should be done quickly and with respect for your dignity

When Can Police Search You?

Police can only search you if one of these applies:

  • Reasonable suspicion - They have a specific reason to suspect you have something illegal
  • Section 60 order - There's been violence in the area and police have special powers
  • Terrorism powers - Special circumstances (rare for most people)

What Counts as "Reasonable Suspicion"?

Police need more than just a hunch. Valid reasons include:

  • A reliable description that matches you
  • Recent information from witnesses or intelligence
  • Clear suspicious behavior (like obviously hiding something)
  • Known group identifiers (gang colors, uniforms)

Police cannot stop you just to "look for" suspicion - they must already have grounds

How Searches Should Be Conducted

  • Respectful and private - As private as possible, with respect for your dignity
  • Cooperation first - Police should ask for your cooperation before using force
  • Appropriate scope - Only search where the suspected item could be (e.g., pockets for a knife)
  • Clothing limits - In public, police can only ask you to remove coats/jackets. For more, it must be done in private by an officer of the same sex
  • Plain-clothes officers - Must show you their warrant card

What Police Must Tell You

Before searching you, police should explain:

  • Why they're searching you
  • What they're looking for
  • Their legal power to search

You should also get a search receipt (unless there's an urgent incident preventing it).

Section 60 Powers

Sometimes police get special powers in areas where violence is expected (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 §60):

  • Authorized by senior officers (Inspector or above)
  • Lasts up to 24 hours (can be extended once)
  • Allows police to require removal of disguises (masks, face coverings)

Other Search Powers

Police have specific powers to search for:

Important Notes

  • Consent isn't enough - Police must have a legal power to search, not just your permission
  • Evidence from unlawful searches - Can be challenged in court
  • If suspicion is unfounded - The search shouldn't happen, and no record is needed

References

This information is based on the following official sources:

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