Your stop and search rights

Stop and search must be used in an effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.

• the officer does not have the power to detain you in order to find grounds for a search
• the officers searching you must use the stop and search powers correctly, responsibly and with respect for people without discriminating
• if English is not your first language, and you do not understand why you have been stopped, steps must be taken to provide you with information in your own language. For example, asking a person who is with you to interpret why you have been stopped
• the officer must keep the search time to the minimum amount of time they need to carry out the search
• the search must take place near where you are stopped, except in instances where moving you would protect your privacy

You should not be stopped just because of, or be mistreated due to, your:

• age
• race
• sex, gender or gender reassignment
• sexual orientation
• ethnic background
• nationality
• religion or belief
• disability
• the language you speak or
• because you have committed a crime in the past

The College of Policing (CoP) develops and approves professional guidance for policing. They have published a stop and search Authorised Professional Practice (APP). This defines a fair and effective stop and search.

Your help to prevent crime and catch criminals

The police are aware that being searched is an inconvenience. People may feel irritated that they have been stopped – that’s completely understandable. Police officers should make the search as brief as possible. But in the interest of public safety they must also be thorough.

• remember, it does not mean a person is guilty of an offence or under arrest
• the stop or stop and search will be much quicker if you cooperate
• always comply with a stop and search, because by law it's not voluntary
• please speak to the officer if you think your rights are being infringed

Officers do not need your permission to go through your belongings. If you refuse, you can be searched using reasonable force.