Police Powers

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Police Powers

The main police powers are set out in Police and criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984.

Powers to Stop and Search

* S1 - Gives the police the right to stop and search people and vehicles in a public place BUT only if there are REASONABLE GROUNDS for suspecting that the person is in possession of stolen goods or prohibited articles (eg. Weapons).

* There are safeguards. The police officer must give: -

1. His name.

2. Station.

3. Reasons for the search.

* In Osman v DPP - officers did not give their names and station hence the court held this made the search unlawful.

* If the search is in public, police can only request that the suspect removes his outer layer of clothing (coat, jacket, gloves) - S2.

* Police officer must make a written report after the search

* Code A - states that police officers must not act because of person's characteristics. Still evidence that certain types of people are more likely to be stopped than other groups (eg. Black youths).

* Police officers can also stop and search under other Acts