STOP AND SEARCH

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS!

BREATHE!!

Before you say a word or do anything, take quick.....

67%

According to UK Home Office statistics:

66.8% of stop and searches result in no further action

Taking a few seconds to breathe before acting can help keep the situation calm and increase the chance of being

68%er

74%

For people aged 10–17:

74% → No action taken

46%

Police data shows stop and search is heavily focused on young males:

46% of all stop and searches involve males aged 18–34.

90%

Arrests Are Relatively Low

14.9% of stop and searches result in arrest.

Been Stopped by the Police? Here’s What You Need to Know!

First Things First

<!Stay Calm!>

If a police officer stops you:

✔ Stay calm
✔ Treat it like a conversation
✔ Avoid swearing or aggression
✔ Remember officers usually record interactions on body cameras

Police can stop and search if they have reasonable grounds to suspect you are carrying:

Police can't stop and search

because of your race, age, nationality or religion

What the police must tell you:

<!GOWISELY!>

Grounds for search

O:
The objective of the search

Warrant card (if not in uniform)

Identity of the officer

Station of officer

Entitlement of search record

Legal power used

(if) You are being detained for a search

You do not have to give:

❌ Your name
❌ Your address
❌ Your date of birth

You can also:

✔ Ask why you are being searched
✔ Ask what they are looking for
✔ Ask for a copy of the search record
✔ Make a complaint if treated unfairly