STOP AND SEARCH

Before you are searched the Police must inform you of the following:
- Their name and the Police Station they work at
-The purpose of the proposed search
-The grounds for making a search
-Your right to a record of the search

They can search you if they suspect you may be carrying the following:
-Drugs
-Weapons
-stolen property
-items which could be used to commit a crime

They can also search you without suspicion if a senior officer has authorised it for a specific area under Section 60 if the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (CJA) or Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. These are sometimes called 'blanket searches'.

Apart from these blanket searches they MUST have reasonable suspicion to search you. ASK THEM WHAT IT IS. It CANNOT be because of your age, ethnic background, the way you look or because you have committed a crime in the past. If you are in a public place you only have to remove your coat or jacket and gloves (but also headgear and shoes under the Terrorism Act).

Unless you are a driver of a vehicle you DO NOT have to give your name and address when asked.

(From Totally Indypendant - Harringay Solidarity Group).