KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
If police stop you:
- Keep it calm. You’ve got rights — use them wisely.
- Ask why. They must give a clear reason.
- Ask for name and badge number. You’re entitled.
- You don’t have to give your name or address (unless driving or under a dispersal order).
- You can record (audio or video) — just don’t block the officer.
- Ask for a copy of the search record. They must offer it if a search is carried out.
You can say:
- “I do not consent to this search, but I won’t resist.”
- You don’t have to give your name unless:
- You’re being arrested.
- The officer uses specific anti-social behaviour powers
- You’re issued a Community Protection Notice.
- You can ask for a search record:
- They can give it on paper or send a copy later.
- You may need it if something goes wrong.
- It helps you remember what happened.
- You can record the stop on your phone:
- That includes audio or video.
- Just don’t get in the way or obstruct them.
WHAT TO ASK
Whether or not it feels fair, stay calm and ask:
- “Why are you stopping me?”
- “What law are you using?”
- “Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”
- “Can I have your name and badge number?”
- “Can I get a copy of the search record?”
- “Are you stopping me under Section 60?”
Section 60 means police do not need suspicion to stop you. It’s usually temporary and applies to specific areas after serious incidents or concerns.
Ask the question. You have the right to know.
🟡 GO WISELY
Every officer stopping you should tell you:
- G – Grounds (why you’re being stopped)
- O – Objective (what they’re looking for)
- W – Warrant card (if not in uniform)
- I – Identity (name and badge number)
- S – Station (where they’re based)
- E – Entitlement (you’re entitled to a search record)
- L – Legal power (what law gives them the right)
- Y – “You’re being detained for the purpose of a search”
These 7 points spell out your rights. Remember them.
WHAT NOT TO DO
- Don’t run — they can detain you.
- Don’t resist — even verbally. It escalates.
- Don’t lie — it can be used against you.
Staying calm isn’t giving in — it’s protecting yourself.
IF YOU'RE BEING SEARCHED
- Give respect, get respect.
- Stay calm. You can still assert your rights.
- You can say: “I don’t consent to this search, but I won’t resist.”
- You can ask for a written record or a receipt of the search.
Strip searches:
- Must be approved by a senior officer
- Must happen in private
- You must have an adult present if you’re under 18
POLICE POWERS – WHAT THEY CAN DO
Officers can stop and search you if they believe you’re carrying:
- Drugs
- Weapons
- Stolen goods
- Items to commit crime
But they must:
- Be in uniform or show their warrant card
- Explain the law they’re using
- Explain what they’re looking for
- Write up a search record (you can get a copy)
Talking to the Police During a Stop and Search
If the police stop you, you don’t have to agree to the search or answer questions.
Here’s what you need to know:
- If police have legal powers to search you, they don’t need your permission — saying “no” won’t stop it.
- If they don’t have legal powers, your agreement doesn’t make it legal.
- You don’t have to answer questions or give your name and address, unless they tell you otherwise under a specific law.
- Refusing to speak to the police should not be the reason for a search.
- If it is, that may be an unlawful stop — and you have the right to challenge it later.
If they find something or treat you as a suspect, different rules apply — see Being Questioned as a Suspect below
Section 50 Powers
Under Section 50 of the Police Reform Act, police can ask for your name and address if they believe you’ve been involved in anti-social behaviour — that means behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.
You can be charged if you:
- Refuse to give your name and address, or
- Give false details.
But this power can’t be used as a blanket rule — an officer must have a clear reason to think you personally were acting anti-socially.
They can’t question a whole crowd just because someone nearby caused trouble.
SECTION 60 – NO SUSPICION STOP & SEARCH
Under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, police can stop and search anyone in a defined area without suspicion.
But:
- It must be authorised for a limited time (e.g., 24 hours)
- It must be in a specific location
- You can still ask:
- “Are you stopping me under Section 60?”
- “What’s the reason for the authorisation?”
Section 60 doesn’t remove your rights — you can still ask questions and request a search record
BEING QUESTIONED AS A SUSPECT
If police think you may have committed a crime, you are considered a suspect.
You don’t have to answer questions, but you may be arrested if you refuse to give your name and address and they believe it’s necessary to confirm your identity or continue their investigation.
If this happens, stay calm and remember:
- You have the right to legal advice before answering questions.
- Ask clearly for a solicitor — it’s free and your right.
THE SEARCH RECORD – WHAT YOU’RE ENTITLED TO
You’re allowed a copy of the search record — on the spot, or later from the police station.
It must include:
- Officer’s name and badge number
- The legal power used
- What they were looking for
- Whether anything was found or taken
- Your details (if you gave them)
Ask for it. It helps if you want to challenge the stop later.
Need Help?
Stop and Search can feel frustrating, intimidating, or just unfair — even when nothing was technically “wrong.”
If something didn’t sit right, you don’t have to keep it to yourself.
You’ve got options. You’ve got people.
TALK TO SOMEONE
- Wingman Mentors – We’re here for real talk, not just formality. Reach out if you need support.
- Youth Legal Support Services –
WANT TO MAKE A COMPLAINT?
If you feel you were treated unfairly, you can make a formal complaint: