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Stop Searches

 

Search: Your RightsGOV.UK

 

The police can stop and question you at any time - they can search you depending on the situation.

 

A police community support officer (PCSO) must be in uniform when they stop and question you. A police officer doesn’t always have to be in uniform but if they’re not wearing uniform they must show you their warrant card.

 

 

 

Stop and Question: Police Powers

 

A police officer might stop you and ask:

 

  • what your name is
  • what you’re doing in the area
  • where you’re going

 

You don’t have to stop or answer any questions. If you don’t and there’s no other reason to suspect you, then this alone can’t be used as a reason to search or arrest you.

 

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Stop and Search: Police Powers

 

A police officer has powers to stop and search you if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect you’re carrying:

 

  • illegal drugs
  • a weapon
  • stolen property
  • something which could be used to commit a crime, such as a crowbar

 

You can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer. This can happen if it is suspected that:

 

  • serious violence could take place
  • you’re carrying a weapon or have used one
  • you’re in a specific location or area

 

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Before You’re Searched

 

Before you’re searched the police officer must tell you:

 

  • their name and police station
  • what they expect to find, for example drugs
  • the reason they want to search you, for example if it looks like you’re hiding something
  • why they are legally allowed to search you
  • that you can have a record of the search and if this isn’t possible at the time, how you can get a copy

 

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Removing Clothing: Police Powers

 

A police officer can ask you to take off your coat, jacket or gloves.

The police might ask you to take off other clothes and anything you’re wearing for religious reasons - for example a veil or turban. If they do, they must take you somewhere out of public view.

If the officer wants to remove more than a jacket and gloves they must be the same sex as you.

 

To find out more Click Here.

 

 

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