Warwickshire Police AuthoritySTOP AND SEARCHWho can stop you? You can be stopped by a Police Officer or a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO). A PCSO must be in uniform but a Police Officer does not have to be; however they must show you their identity card. What is a stop? A stop is when an officer stops you and asks you what you are doing, why you are in an area, where you are going or what you are carrying. Your vehicle can be stopped at any time and you may be asked to show your driving documents. What is a stop and search? You can be stopped and searched anywhere when an officer believes that you are carrying drugs, weapons or stolen property or items which could be used to commit a crime or to commit an act of terrorism. Sometimes officers can search anyone within a specific area, for example when there is evidence that serious violence could take place or where a terrorist threat has been identified. How should a stop and search be carried out? Before you are searched, the officer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that you understand the process. Details can be found in the Know Your Rights Stop and Search Leaflet Your right to a stop/search form If you are stopped or searched the officer must fill in a stop/search form and give you a copy. You should get a copy of the stop/search form straight away unless they are called away to an emergency, in this case you can get a copy from a Police Station. It is important for you to keep your copy of the stop/search form, especially if you are not happy with the way you were treated.How to make a complaint. If you are unhappy with how you were treated, you can complain. It will help if you keep the form that the Police gave you. You can get advice about how to make a complaint from:
- The Independent Police Complaints Commission - The Commission for Equality and Human Rights - A Solicitor Further Information Know Your Rights Stop and Search Leaflet Know Your Rights Stop and Search Easy Read Guide Stop and Search Frequently Asked Questions Stop and Search information in various languages and in audio can be found on the Association of Police Authorities Stop and Search web pages |
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