The Police Powers of Stopping and Searching

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Recommended: Use and misuse of police power

The Police Powers of Stopping and Searching

The police can stop and search any person, vehicle, and anything in or

on the vehicle for certain items. However, before they stop and search

they must have reasonable grounds for suspecting that they will find:-

· Stolen goods; or

· An offensive weapon; or

· Any article made or adapted for use in certain offences, for example

a burglary or theft; or

· An article with a blade or point; or

· Items which could damage or destroy property, for example spray

paint cans.

The police can also search a football coach going to or from a

football match if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting there is

alcohol on board or that someone is drunk on the coach.

In all of these situations where the police have a right to stop and

search, they should not require you to take off any clothing other

than an outer coat, jacket or gloves.

If you are arrested, the police can search you for anything you might

use to help you escape or for evidence relating to the offence that

has led to your arrest.

In some circumstances a police officer of the rank of inspector or

above can give the police permission to make stops and searches in an

area for a certain amount of time - as long as this is for no more

than 24 hours. When this permission is in force the police can search

for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments whether or not they

have grounds for suspecting that people are carrying these items. An

officer with the rank of assistant chief constable or above can also

give permission for searches in an area in order to prevent acts of

terrorism.

The police can search y...

... middle of paper ...

...uld only seize goods if they have reasonable grounds for

believing that:-

* They have been obtained illegally; or

* They are evidence in relation to an offence.

In either of these cases they must also have reasonable grounds for

believing that it is necessary to seize the goods to prevent them

being lost, stolen or destroyed.

You feel the police have treated you unfairly and want to complain;

there are different courses of action you can take. The best course

of action depends on the nature of your complaint. For example, if

the police have obtained evidence by breaking code of practice rules,

a court may refuse to accept police evidence in any case against you.

Alternatively, you may wish to use the police complaints procedure to

complain about an individual officer's behavior, or take court action.

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