In police custody, strip searches and intimate searches are governed by PACE sections 54 and 55 and Code C Annex A. They must be necessary, authorised to the correct level, and conducted with privacy and dignity. Children have additional safeguards; you can complain if rules were broken.
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Key takeaways
- PACE s54 — search of detained person; s55 — intimate searches (inspector authorisation).
- Code C Annex A — strip search (para 9) and intimate search procedure.
- Intimate searches on juveniles: appropriate adult must be present (Annex A para 5) — no urgency exception; strip searches may use para 11(c) urgency rules.
1) Strip search (PACE s54 and Annex A)
A strip search involves removing more than outer clothing (Annex A paragraph 9). It does not necessarily expose intimate parts of the body. The searching officer must be of the same sex as the detainee. Where intimate parts are exposed, at least two people besides the detainee must be present; for a juvenile, one must be the appropriate adult (subject to the urgency exception in paragraph 11(c) for strip searches only).
2) Intimate search (PACE s55 and Annex A)
An intimate search requires authorisation by an inspector under section 55. There must be reasonable grounds for believing the person has concealed:
- (a) something they could use to cause physical injury to themselves or others, or
- (b) a Class A drug they intended to supply to another or export.
For a drug search, the person’s written consent is required and the search may only be carried out at a hospital, surgery or other medical premises — not at a police station. It must be done by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse. For a search for something that could cause injury only, an officer of the same sex may carry it out if an inspector decides a doctor or nurse is not practicable.
3) Children
Annex A paragraph 5 requires an appropriate adult to be present for an intimate search of a juvenile. There is no urgency exception for intimate searches. The adult must be present unless the juvenile states in the adult’s presence that they prefer the search to proceed without the adult and the adult agrees. The urgency exception in paragraph 11(c) applies only to strip searches. See youth custody rights and appropriate adult.
4) Complaints
Note officer names, times, and what was said. Tell your solicitor while in custody if possible. After release, complain to the force; serious cases may be referred to the IOPC.
Related: PACE Code C, custody time limits.
Related guides
Sources
Sources checked: 1 October 2026.
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 — legislation.gov.uk
- PACE Code C 2023 — GOV.UK
- SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
- PACE 1984, section 55
General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).