Stop and Search

An officer can stop and search you if they have a genuine suspicion that you are in possession of unlawful items (such as drugs, fireworks, stolen property or weapons). It is an alternative to arrest and allows an officer to confirm or allay their suspicion without arresting you. Their suspicion must seem reasonable to an independent observer.

Being stopped and searched doesn't mean you're under arrest or have necessarily done anything wrong. It doesn’t mean you will have a criminal record.

The officer must explain to you what information or behaviour has caused them to be suspicious and stop and search you.

The search must be conducted with dignity and respect, and is used primarily to make the streets of Cheshire safer.

Our Stop and Search data is available to the public for transparency and review. You can view the quarterly reports below.