Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stop and Search
If the Police stop and search you then they must give you a
written form. The form must say why, when and where you were
stopped. If they stop you and ask you to account for yourself,
then they will give you a receipt, even if they don't search
you.
If the police do not give you either a form or a receipt, you
can ask for one. So when will you get a form or receipt?
| If you are on the street... |
Is
this a
Stop? |
Do
I get a form / receipt? |
| You are asked what you are doing or where you are going
|
YES |
YES |
| You are asked why you are in an area |
YES |
YES |
| You are asked to leave an area |
NO |
NO |
| You are asked what you are carrying |
YES |
YES |
| You are asked if you saw a crime or an incident |
NO |
NO |
| You are asked by an officer for directions to a particular
place or you ask the officer for directions |
NO |
NO |
| Officers stop a fight outside a pub and ask how it
started |
NO |
NO |
| Officers ask you what you were doing in/near that pub at a
particular time |
YES |
YES |
| |
|
|
| If you are in a car or vehicle... |
Is
this a Stop? |
Do
I get a form / receipt? |
| You are warned about a traffic violation |
NO |
NO |
| You are advised about your driving style |
NO |
NO |
| You are asked if you saw a crime or other incident |
NO |
NO |
| You are asked to show your driving documents (licence etc) |
NO |
NO |
| You are breathalysed |
NO |
NO |
| You are asked to show your driving documents and explain what
you are doing in an area |
YES |
YES |
| You are asked where you are coming from or going to - and
why |
YES |
YES |
The above examples do not fully cover all of the law, they
just give a general guide to your rights when you are stopped
- but remember even when you are not given a form or receipt
you can still ask for one.
To download the Association of Police Authorities leaflet
on what constitutes a Stop please click
here.