Know Your Rights

As a result of the McPherson Inquiry, the officer must fill in a form explaining why you were stopped or searched and give you a copy straight away, unless they are called away to an emergency.

In this case you can get a copy from a police station within 12 months.
The officer must write down

• when, where and why you were stopped or searched
• if they are taking any action
• their names and/or officer numbers
• and if you were searched;
• your name and a description of you
• what they were looking for and anything found.

The police will ask you your name, address and date of birth. Unless you are being reported for an offence you do not have to tell them this information if you don't want to. However, if you are being reported for an offence, you do have to provide these details and may be arrested if you refuse to give them.

You will also be asked to say what your ethnic background is from a list of national census categories. You do not have to say what your ethnic background is if you don't want to. But this information is used to show if the police are stopping and searching people just because of their race or ethnicity. (See FAQ - Who checks on stops and searches?)

The form does not constitute a criminal record. The form is to monitor the police action rather than the people they stop. It is a way of ensuring that the police are being open, honest and accountable.

The following links may also be of interest:

The association of Police Authorities http://www.apa.police.uk/apa

Community Legal Service http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/

How can I complain?