Being stopped by the police
What information do you have to give the police if they stop you on the street?
Can the police search you on the street?
For more detailed information, follow this link to purchase the Children’s Legal Centre’s detailed publication At the Police Station.
What information do you have to give the police if they stop you on the street?
It is a good idea to answer any questions that the police ask you, such as ‘What is your name?’ and ‘Where are you going?’ and to be polite at all times. If the police keep asking you questions, you should ask them if they plan to search or arrest you and why.
Can the police search you on the street?
Yes, but only if they have a good reason. The police can search you if they think that you have committed a crime and might be carrying a knife or other weapon, things that have been stolen or drugs.
If you are in a public place the police can only ask you to take off your coat, gloves or hat – if they want you to take off more than this, they will have to take you to a place where no one can see you. See the Home Office website for more information.
The police can also ask you to empty your pockets and bag and can also search your car (or other vehicle) if they have a good reason to think that you might have committed a crime.
When can you be arrested?
The police can arrest you if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect that you’ve committed an offence. This means that the police must have enough information to make them think that you have broken the law.
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