Stop and search explained

Why we use stop and search

Stop and search is a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.

Stop and search should never be used lightly. Police officers must only use their legal right to stop members of the public, and search them, when doing so will further their investigations into criminal activity. Some examples could be looking for weapons, drugs or stolen property.

By allowing officers to investigate an individual without having to arrest them, it can avoid unnecessary arrests.

Understanding the reasons

The police can stop, or stop and search, you or a vehicle if they think you:

• have an item which has been stolen
• are carrying objects, made or adapted, to commit; theft, fraud, criminal damage, or offences related to protests
• are in possession of a dangerous or offensive weapon or corrosive substance
• have evidence related to certain crimes
• may be carrying drugs
• are carrying a weapon that has been used, or intend to use at a serious violent incident

The police can also stop or stop and search under anti-terrorism measures.

The types of stops you may encounter

The police can search you, anything you are carrying and a vehicle.

Stop and account

This is when a police officer or PCSO stops you in a public place and asks you to account for yourself and may ask you:

• what you're doing
• where you've been
• where you're going
• what you're carrying

Stop and search

This is when a police officer stops and then searches you, a vehicle and anything you're carrying.

Vehicle stop

This is when a police officer stops a vehicle. A police officer can legally stop any vehicle at any time and ask to see driving documents, check the condition of the vehicle or deal with driving offences. You may be given documentation relevant to road traffic matters. If the entire process ends there, this is considered a ‘vehicle stop'.

It becomes a stop and account if you or any passengers with you are asked to account for themselves.

If a police officer then searches the vehicle or persons in it, this is a stop and search.

When your experience is not a stop and search

You've not been subject to a stop and search in some situations.

• you're searched as a condition of entry to premises or an event
• you're searched following an arrest
• you're searched in premises that are being searched under a warrant from a court
• you stop an officer to ask for directions or information
• you have witnessed a crime and are questioned about it to establish the background to the incident
• you have been in an area where a crime recently occurred and are questioned about what you might have seen

In cases like these, a stop and search record will not be made and you will not be given a receipt.