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The police have the power to stop and search you in public places under certain circumstances. However, these powers are strictly regulated by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and its Codes of Practice. Understanding your rights ensures that any search is conducted lawfully.
Last updated: 2025-03-01
Your Rights
Right to Know Why You're Being Searched
Before searching you, the officer must tell you: their name and police station, the legal power they are using, what they are looking for, and why they have reasonable grounds to suspect you.
Right to a Record of the Search
You are entitled to a written record of the search, including the officer's details, the reason, date, time, and what was found. You can request this within 3 months.
Right Not to Be Searched Without Grounds
A standard stop and search under s.1 PACE requires the officer to have reasonable grounds for suspecting you are carrying stolen goods, offensive weapons, or prohibited items. Your appearance, age, or race alone is not a valid ground.
Limits on What Can Be Removed
In public, the officer can only ask you to remove your outer coat, jacket, and gloves. More thorough searches must be conducted out of public view by an officer of the same sex.
Right to Record the Encounter
You have the right to film or record a stop and search. Officers should not prevent you from doing so unless it obstructs their work.
Common Myths
The police can stop and search anyone for any reason.
Under s.1 PACE, officers need reasonable grounds for suspicion. Section 60 (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994) allows suspicion-free searches in limited areas authorised by a senior officer.
You have to answer the officer's questions during a stop and search.
You are not legally required to answer questions during a stop and search, though cooperation is advisable.
What To Do
Stay Calm and Cooperative
Do not resist or run away. This could lead to arrest. You can challenge an unlawful search afterwards.
Ask for the Officer's Details
Politely ask for the officer's name, police station, and the legal power they are using.
Ask Why You're Being Searched
The officer must tell you what they are looking for and why they suspect you.
Request a Record
Ask for a written record of the search. You can request this within 3 months from the relevant police station.
Complain if Your Rights Were Violated
If you believe the search was unlawful, complain to the police force's professional standards department or the IOPC.
Key Legislation
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), s.1
- PACE Code of Practice A
- Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60
- Equality Act 2010