Being searched doesn’t mean you’re being arrested.
- The Police have powers to stop and question you at any time, ask what you are doing, why you are in an area or where you are going
- Police Officers have powers to stop and search you if they have reasonable grounds to suspect you are carrying drugs, weapons, stolen property or something which could be used to commit a crime e.g. crowbar
- You can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer
Before You Are Searched
- The police officer must tell you their name & police station where they work
- The reason why they are searching you
- What they expect to find e.g. drugs / weapons
- Why they are legally allowed to search you
Removing Clothing
A police officer can ask you to take off your coat, jacket or gloves. The police might ask you to take off other clothes and anything you’re wearing for religious reasons - e.g. a veil or turban. If they do, they must take you somewhere out of public view.
If the officer wants to remove more than a jacket and gloves they must be the same sex as you.
