The Law

Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984

Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 is the most commonly used power and gives the police power to stop and search people and vehicles for stolen goods and offensive weapons on the basis of reasonable suspicion.

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 gives police the right to search people in a specific area at a specific time when they believe, with good reason, that there is the possibility of serious violence or that a person is carrying a dangerous object or offensive weapon. This power is used to deal with football hooliganism, gang fights and public disorder and must be authorised by a senior officer before use. Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 also provides a power to demand the removal of disguises if an officer reasonably believes that someone is wearing an item wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing identity, for example you may be asked to remove your hat if an officer reasonably believes that you are wearing it to conceal your identity.

Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000

Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 gives police officers and PCSOs the power to stop and search people for equipment that could be used to commit a terrorist act. The police can search anybody anywhere under this law, and they do not need reasonable suspicion to do so. Before these powers can be used they must be authorised by a Chief Police Officer for a particular location and period of time. The Home Office has to confirm authorisations within 48 hours for them to remain valid after that period and will only do so if it is satisfied that it is a necessary and proportionate response to the threat. It is under this law that the police conduct random searches in places such as airport and train stations.

* This information is intended to help people understand the stop and search procedures. It is only a guide and is not intended to cover all aspects of the law in this area.