A 'Stop' or 'Stop and Account' is when a Police Officer or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) stops you and asks you to account for yourself.
For example, they may ask what you are doing; why you are in an area, where you are going; or what you are carrying.
However, general conversations with an Officer do not count as a stop, such as if they are looking for witnesses; ask you for general information about an incident; or is giving you directions.
From December 2008, if you are stopped in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea or the Vale of Glamorgan, the Officer will give you a receipt, so you know who has stopped you. They will not complete a form. However, if you are stopped in Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, the Officer will complete a form saying why you were stopped, and give you a copy.
The table below shows when you would receive a receipt/form and when you would not.