|
This section of the Police Authority's website gives you all the information you need to know about the rights you have if you are stopped and/or searched by a police officer.
A change in the law means that every time an individual is stopped by a police officer and asked to account for their actions and/or searched, a record should be made and
given to that person.
Previously, a record need only be made when an individual is stopped and searched but guidance developed by the Lawrence Steering Group means that a record must now be
made and a copy given each time a person is stopped by a police officer, irrespective of whether they are then searched, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The stop and/or search procedure is used by police forces across the country to prevent and detect particular types of crime and to try to make communities safer places.
The aim of the change in recording is to ensure that the often controversial procedure is more transparent and accountable. It will also help police authorities and
forces to monitor stop and/or search activity more clearly and increase public confidence.
The new recording procedures mean that if you are stopped and asked to account for your actions and/or searched the police officer must first of all let you know:
- Their name
- Which police station they work at
- What your rights are
- What their reasons are for stopping and/or searching you
The decision to stop and/or search must not be based on personal factors alone such as age, ethnicity, hairstyle, the way you dress etc.
The officer must then record on a form the following details:
- Your name or a description of you, including your ethnic identity
- Why you were stopped and/or searched
- When and where you were searched
- What the officer was looking for and whether anything was found
- The name and number of the officer who searched you
You will be given a copy of the record.
You can get advice, or in the case of a complaint, be given information on how to proceed from:
- A local police station
- Your local police authority
- A Citizen Advice Bureau
- The Commission for Racial Equality
- A solicitor
- The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)
If you would like a copy of our leaflet entitled Stop and Search please contact the Police Authority offices on (01275) 816377, alternatively please use our
on-line form.
Chair of the Police Authority Moira Hamlin said "Being stopped by the police can cause concern. I welcome the changes in recording to include stops as well as stop and searches as this will
increase transparency and improve accountability".
 Stop and search - Know your rights
| 
