Know Your Rights
Understanding your rights during a police stop and search in the UK
Important Legal Notice
This page provides general information about your rights. It is not legal advice. If you need specific legal assistance, please consult a qualified solicitor or contact a legal advice service such as Citizens Advice or Liberty.
When Can Police Stop and Search You?
Police officers can stop and search you if they have "reasonable grounds" to suspect you're carrying:
Reasonable Grounds
- Illegal drugs
- Weapons
- Stolen property
- Items that could be used for burglary or theft
Important
Police cannot stop and search you just because:
- Of your age, race, gender, or appearance
- You've been in trouble with the police before
- You're in an area where a lot of crime happens
What Police Must Tell You
Before searching you, the police officer must tell you:
- 1Their name and police station
You have the right to know who is searching you
- 2What they expect to find
For example, drugs, weapons, or stolen items
- 3The reason they want to search you
They must explain their "reasonable grounds" for suspicion
- 4That you're entitled to a copy of the search record
You can request this at the time or within 3 months
Note: If the police don't tell you these things, the search may be unlawful. However, you should still comply with the search and make a complaint afterwards.
Your Rights During a Stop and Search
You Have the Right To:
- Stay calm and ask questions
- Request a copy of the search record
- Have a friend or witness present (if available)
- Refuse to be searched if you're under 18 without an appropriate adult present
Police Can Only:
- Search outer clothing (coat, jacket, gloves)
- Ask you to remove outer clothing (e.g., coat, hat, gloves)
- Search your vehicle if they suspect stolen items or weapons
Important: Police cannot force you to remove more than outer clothing in public. They cannot search intimate areas in public. This must be done in private by an officer of the same sex.
What You Must Do
It's important to remain calm and cooperate during a stop and search. You must:
- Stay with the officer - you cannot walk away or run off
- Allow the search to proceed - resisting is a criminal offence
- Give your name and address if asked (you don't have to provide ID unless you're driving)
After the Search
After the search, you should:
- Get a copy of the search record - You can request this at the time or within 3 months. The officer should offer you a copy.
- Make notes - Write down the officer's name, badge number, time, location, and what happened as soon as possible.
- If nothing was found - You should be free to go. The search record should still be made available to you.
Making a Complaint
If you believe your rights were violated during a stop and search, you can make a complaint:
To the Police Force
You can complain directly to the police force that conducted the search:
- • Visit the police force's website
- • Contact the force's Professional Standards Department
- • Complain within 12 months of the incident
To the IOPC
For serious complaints, you can contact the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC):
- • Independent investigation body
- • Handles serious complaints
- • Can investigate police misconduct
Tip: Keep your search record and any notes you made. These will be helpful when making a complaint.
Legal Framework
Stop and search powers are governed by:
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)
The main legislation governing stop and search powers in England and Wales. It sets out when police can search you, what they must tell you, and your rights.
Read PACE Act 1984 →Code of Practice A
The official guidance for police officers on exercising stop and search powers. It explains what "reasonable grounds" means and how searches should be conducted.
Read Code of Practice A →