The police have the power to stop and search you if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that you have been involved in a crime or think that you are in possession of a prohibited item. Prohibited items include drugs, weapons and stolen property. Depending on what the police find on you during a search, you could be arrested.
What can an officer search?
The officer can only require a person to remove outer clothing in public e.g. a coat, jacket, gloves. They can put their hand inside your shoes, socks or headgear if they believe something is hidden. They will ask you to turn your pockets inside out, or they will pat these items down.
If they want you to remove any other items of clothing, this is either called a ‘more thorough search’ (e.g. removing a jumper or t-shirt) or a ‘strip search’, which involves the removal of all clothing.
A more thorough search can take place in the back of a police van or somewhere else that is out of public view. A strip search can only take place in a police station or a designated area like a police tent.
A strip search must be done out of public view and by an officer of the same sex, without any officer of the opposite sex able to see. If you are 17 years old or under a strip search can only take place in the presence of an appropriate adult
Tips for helping you deal with a stop and search.
- Keep calm.
- Be polite
- Ask questions about what will happen.
- Ask for a written proof of the search and ensure that this has been completed honestly.
- You have the right to film the search, but you must ask permission to do so before reaching for your smart phone.
- Be informed – know your rights.
