Understand how stop and search should happen
Find out more about stop and search:
“Hello sir, can you stop right there for me. You're detained under Section 1 of PACE for a search. Okay. I'll explain everything in due course, just place your hands on your back for me just for now.”
Police can stop and search you or a vehicle if they think that you have an item which may have been stolen, weapons, drugs, or have been involved in a crime and contain evidence on your person.
“What I’m going to be looking for is anything that can aid you into getting into cars and breaking into vehicles.”
The officer will identify themselves and their station and explain the search process. The officers will use gloves when searching you.
“Okay, so I'm going to do is I'm going to start up here on your back then I'll move to your front and then I'll move to a lower portion of your body. Okay, I'll talk you through it as I'm going.”
“Can I ask your name?”
“My name?”
“Yeah.”
“Harry.”
“Okay. Nice to meet you.”
The officer might ask for your name and details about what you've been doing or where you've been.
“Can you just bring your arm up a little bit for me just going to check the armpit. Okay, and the other one for me. If it's a negative result, then yes, you'll be free to go. Okay. If you can just look over to the right for me. Okay. I'm just going to search your chest now.”
The officer might shake your clothing or ask you to move your jacket, outer garment or gloves. Officers may use handcuffs during the search if they deem it necessary.
If you have any physical injuries or conditions, let the officer know so that they are aware.
“What I'm going to do now is I'm just going to waistband search you, and then I'll search your belt.”
“Now what I'm going to do sir is start by searching the lower section of your body. So I start with your left leg okay”
Officers will thoroughly search your pockets, waistband and tops of shoes. They may retain property found whilst they conduct the search to keep it safe until the search is complete.
“That was a negative result so what I'll do is uncuff you now and then I'll talk to you about your entitlements to a copy of the search, etc.”
Following this search the officer will ask you for your details and email address. You do not have to provide these details if you don't want to. The officer can give you a card that you can take to any police station within the county within three months after you've been stopped to obtain a record of your search.
“Right, you're free to go now, thank you very much.”
Who can stop and search you
A police officer or a police community support officer (PCSO) in uniform can stop you. Police officers can also search you. PCSOs can search you for tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol plus other items if authorised. A police officer does not have to be in uniform but they must show you their warrant (ID) card.
Where you can be searched
Stop and search most often happens in public places. However, there are some powers, such as searching for firearms or drugs, which allow police to search people anywhere.
If you're in a public place, you may be required to remove your coat or jacket and your gloves, unless you have been stopped in relation to terrorism or where the officer believes you are using clothes to hide your identity.
If you are wearing anything for religious reasons, and officers need you to take it off, they must take you out of public view.
What to expect during a stop and search
The police officer or police community support officer must explain why you're being stopped and why you're being asked to account for your actions or presence in an area.
All members of the public can be stopped, including groups who may be considered vulnerable and those under the age of 18. The welfare and safeguarding of the person will be considered at all times by the officer. Particular care will be taken to ensure they understand what is happening, are not distressed, and their needs are considered.
The officer must be polite and respectful at all times.
We are aware that the process may take a little time but it should be handled quickly and professionally. The police officer may ask a few questions and then, if they consider it necessary, will search you.
Information you will receive
Police officers use an acronym called GOWISELY - each letter stands for information that must be provided to you if you are stopped and searched. This includes:
- that you're being detained for the purpose of a search
- why you have been stopped and searched
- why they chose you
- what they are looking for
- their name and the station where they are based (unless the search is in relation to suspected terrorist activity or giving his or her name may place the officer in danger)
- they must show their warrant card if not in uniform
- the law under which you have been stopped
- your right to a copy of the form
Information you will be asked for
The police officer will ask for your:
- name and address
- date of birth
- self-defined ethnicity
You don’t have to give this information if you don’t want to; unless the police officer says they are reporting you for an offence.
The officer will also ask if you have a Serious Violence Reduction Order (SVRO). If you have an SVRO you need to tell the officer. Not telling them is an offence.
Recording stop and searches
The use of body worn video cameras help to reassure the public that their interactions with the police are recorded. The technology offers greater transparency for those in front of the camera as well as those behind it.
Help us improve the experience
We welcome your feedback to review and improve how stop and search is being done in the community. Tell us about your stop and search experience.