Stop and search rights in England and Wales

What you should do now

Stay calm. You can ask what power is being used and what the officer suspects. You can comply with a lawful search while still noting the officer's details and asking for a written record afterwards.^[2]

PACE section 1 searches

The main street search power is PACE section 1. An officer may search a person or vehicle in a public place if they have reasonable grounds to suspect stolen goods, articles for burglary, or certain weapons or prohibited items.^[1] Reasonable grounds are more than a hunch. They should be based on objective factors the officer can explain, though I cannot second-guess every stop from a webpage.

PACE Code A sets how searches should be conducted, including fairness, dignity, and recording.^{[2] [5]}

What to ask (GOWISELY)

Officers are trained to cover grounds, object of the search, warrant card, ID, station, entitlement to a copy of the record, and the law relied on. You can politely ask for each point. If the search is unlawful, that may affect whether evidence can be used later, but do not physically resist on the street.

Section 60 and other wider powers

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows searches for weapons in a defined area when authorised by an inspector, without individual reasonable suspicion in some circumstances.^[3] You should still be told it is a section 60 search and given a record.

Terrorism legislation includes separate powers such as section 47A of the Terrorism Act 2000 in tightly defined situations.^[4] These are rare for most people but matter if you are near a major event or transport hub.

If police find something

You may be arrested or reported for summons. If you are taken to a Kent custody suite, request a duty solicitor immediately. Interview under caution is not a chat. See police interview rights and no comment interview for what happens next.

Complaints and later review

If you believe a search was unlawful or discriminatory, note times, locations, and officer details. You can complain to the force and seek legal advice about any prosecution that follows. I cannot promise a complaint outcome, but early notes help.

When to get a solicitor

In my experience, a lawful street search can still end in a custody interview the same evening. If a stop leads to arrest, interview, or a charge, get advice before you answer questions. If you are only searched and released, you may still want advice if something was seized. Use the contact pathways on this site if you need Kent station representation.