Police Powers to Stop and Search

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Police powers to stop and search The police have powers to stop and question you at any time - they can search you depending on the situation. A police community support officer (PCSO) must be in uniform when they stop and question you. A police officer doesn’t always have to be in uniform but if they’re not wearing uniform they must show you their warrant card. Stop and question: police powers A police officer has powers to stop you at any time and ask you: * What you’re doing * Why you’re in an area and/or where you’re going However, you don’t have to answer any questions the police officer asks you. Stop and search: police powers A police officer has powers to stop and search you if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect you’re carrying: * Illegal drugs * A weapon * Stolen property * Something which could be used to commit a crime, eg a crowbar You can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer. This can happen if it is suspected that: * Serious violence could take place * You’re carrying a weapon or have used one * You’re in a specific location or area Before you’re searched Before you’re searched the police officer must tell you: * Their name and police station * What they expect to find, e.g. drugs * The reason they want to search you, e.g. it looks like you’re hiding something * Why they are legally allowed to search you * That you can have a record of the search and if this isn’t possible at the time, how you can get a

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