Your Life

Stop & Search Policy

The police can stop and search people to detect certain types of crime to help make our communities safer. You will NOT be stopped and searched just because of your age, colour, hairstyle, the way you dress, etc. If you’re stopped by the police it does not necessarily mean you are doing anything wrong.

Before an officer searches he/she must tell you:

  • their name
  • which police station they work at
  • what made them suspicious in the first place
  • the aim of the search
  • what they expect to find

If the officer is not in uniform he/she must show you their identity card.

  • If you are stopped and searched the officers will try to be sensitive, discreet and quick – they will do their best not to embarrass or delay your unnecessarily.
  • If you are in a public place, the officer can only ask you to take off your coat or jacket or gloves.
  • If the officer asks you to take off more than that, eg, your shoes or a face scarf, you will be taken somewhere private, such as a police station. This does not mean you have been arrested. In this case, the officer searching you must be the same sex as you.

If you are searched, the officer must write down on a form:

  • your name or your description
  • why you were searched
  • when and where you were searched
  • what the officer was looking for and whether anything was found
  • the name and number of the officer who searched you

The police do not have to make a record if they just stop you but don’t search you.

If you are stopped the officers will ask you some simple questions such as your name, where you live and where you are going. Unless they are reporting you for a suspected crime, you don’t have to give them these details, but it makes sense to co-operate. If you are innocent you have nothing to fear. If you are being reported for an offence, you do have to provide these details and may be arrested if you refuse to give your details.

The police can usually only stop and search you in a public place. But if they suspect you have committed a serious crime, they can search you anywhere.


Return to top