Your Rights When Stopped by Police
Being stopped by the police can be stressful, but knowing your rights helps you respond calmly and appropriately. The police have specific powers to stop and question you, and in some circumstances to search you, but these powers are limited by law.
Last updated: 2026-03-08
Your Rights
Right to Walk Away If Not Detained
If the police stop you in the street and you are not under arrest or being searched, you are generally free to walk away. Ask: 'Am I free to leave?' If they say yes, you can go.
Right to Know the Grounds for Search
If the police want to search you under s.1 PACE, they must give you their name and station, explain the grounds for the search, tell you what they are looking for, and give you a copy of the search record.
Right to Limited Search in Public
In a public place, you can only be asked to remove your outer coat, jacket, and gloves. A more thorough search must be carried out out of public view and by an officer of the same sex.
Right to a Search Record
You are entitled to a record of the stop and search, including the officer's details, date, time, place, grounds, and outcome. You can request this within 3 months.
Right Not to Be Stopped Based on Appearance
The police cannot stop you based solely on your race, age, appearance, or the fact that you are known to have previous convictions. Reasonable suspicion must be based on objective factors.
Common Myths
You must give your name and address to the police if asked
Generally, you are not obliged to give your name and address unless you are being issued a fixed penalty notice, driving, or the officer has specific legal authority. However, refusing may lead to further suspicion.
The police can search you whenever they want
The police need reasonable grounds for suspicion or specific statutory authority. A search without proper authority is unlawful.
You can be arrested for being rude to the police
Being rude is not a criminal offence. However, threatening or abusive behaviour that causes harassment, alarm, or distress may be (s.5 Public Order Act 1986).
What To Do
Stay calm
Be polite and calm. Do not run or physically resist — this can escalate the situation and may give grounds for arrest.
Ask if you are being detained
Clearly ask: 'Am I under arrest?' and 'Am I free to leave?' The officer must answer.
Request the search record
If you are searched, ask for the written record or note the officer's collar number so you can request it later.
Complain if the stop was unlawful
If you believe you were stopped without lawful authority, complain to the police force's Professional Standards Department or the IOPC.
Key Legislation
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 s.1-7
- PACE Code A
- Public Order Act 1986 s.5
- Human Rights Act 1998 Articles 5, 8, 14