Stop and Search - Know Your Rights
Stop and Account and Stop and Search powers allow the police to combat street crime and anti-social behaviour, and prevent the occurrence of more serious crimes.
A ‘
stop’ is when an officer asks someone in a public place to account for their actions, behaviour or articles in their possession.
A ‘
stop and search’ is when you are searched if officers suspect you are carrying, drugs, weapons, stolen property of items which could be used to commit a crime.
The pages in this section will help provide more information on your rights should you be stopped or stopped and searched by the police.