What information must a police officer give me before searching me?

Before searching you, the officer must provide their name and police station, the specific legal power they are using, what they are looking for, and the reasonable grounds for their suspicion. This requirement is set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its Code of Practice A.

Can I get a written record of my stop and search?

You are entitled to a written record of the search, which includes the officer's details, the reason for the search, the date and time, and what was found. You can request this record from the relevant police station within three months of the incident.

How much of my clothing can the police remove during a search?

In public, an officer can only ask you to remove your outer coat, jacket, and gloves. If a more thorough search is required, it must be conducted out of public view by an officer of the same sex as you. This limits the extent of physical contact during a standard street search.

Am I allowed to film a police officer while they search me?

You have the right to film or record a stop and search. Police officers should not prevent you from doing so unless your actions obstruct their work. This allows you to create an independent record of the encounter for your own reference.

What can I do if I think my rights were violated during a search?

If you believe the search was unlawful, you can complain to the police force's professional standards department or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC handles complaints about police officers and investigates allegations of misconduct or unlawful conduct.

All Rights Guides

Criminal Justice

Your Rights During a Stop and Search

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. This guide focuses specifically on street stop and search powers. See also: Your Rights When Stopped by Police (general police encounters) at /rights/rights-stopped-by-police, and Your Rights Under PACE (broader detention rights) at /rights/rights-under-pace.

Last updated: 2026-05-22

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.

PACE 1984, s.2; Code A

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.

PACE 1984, s.3; Code A, para 4

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.

PACE 1984, s.1; Code A, para 2

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.

PACE 1984, s.2(9); Code A

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.

College of Policing guidance

Common Myths

Myth

The police can stop and search anyone for any reason.

Reality

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.

Myth

You have to answer the officer's questions during a stop and search.

Reality

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

Useful Contacts

IOPC

Independent Office for Police Conduct — handles complaints about police officers.

Website

Liberty

Human rights organisation providing advice on police powers.

Website

StopWatch

Monitors and campaigns on stop and search practices.

Website

Frequently asked questions

What information must a police officer give me before searching me?: Before searching you, the officer must provide their name and police station, the specific legal power they are using, what they are looking for, and the reasonable grounds for their suspicion. This requirement is set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its Code of Practice A.
Can I get a written record of my stop and search?: You are entitled to a written record of the search, which includes the officer's details, the reason for the search, the date and time, and what was found. You can request this record from the relevant police station within three months of the incident.
How much of my clothing can the police remove during a search?: In public, an officer can only ask you to remove your outer coat, jacket, and gloves. If a more thorough search is required, it must be conducted out of public view by an officer of the same sex as you. This limits the extent of physical contact during a standard street search.
Am I allowed to film a police officer while they search me?: You have the right to film or record a stop and search. Police officers should not prevent you from doing so unless your actions obstruct their work. This allows you to create an independent record of the encounter for your own reference.
What can I do if I think my rights were violated during a search?: If you believe the search was unlawful, you can complain to the police force's professional standards department or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC handles complaints about police officers and investigates allegations of misconduct or unlawful conduct.