The police force wishes to provide us with safety and their strong presence on the streets is much appreciated by vulnerable residents. The force has recently adopted a more citizen focused policing style in England and Wales which aims to return to the community based policing of old. To combat crime and other anti social offences, there are police stop and search powers to allow officers to stop a potentially dangerous person or someone who might otherwise be in the act of committing a crime.
Police require a reason to stop somebody in the street and usually approach a person to begin their investigations. They will ask where they were going and what they had the intention of doing. Police can stop somebody if they suspect them of being in the act of committing a crime or if they match the description of somebody who has previously committed an offence.
If you are stopped with good reason, the police can ask to search you. If they do this, it is because they think you may have something illegal on your person; drugs or weapons are common examples and are illegal to carry in the United Kingdom. If you are stopped by the police then there are a number of things they can do. Police stop and search powers are very useful in these situations and you can be asked to turn out your pockets, empty a bag or take off your coat. Providing you have nothing illegal on your person, you will be allowed to go and the search will be recorded – you can ask for a copy of this record if desired.
Police stop and search powers do not extend particularly far unless you are being either reported or arrested. This will only happen if the police have reasonable grounds to suspect you of a crime. You don't have to provide your name and address if you are not being reported. You will not obtain a criminal record for having been searched if you are not charged with an offence.
Police stop and search powers are limited and they only cover circumstances in which the officers believe a crime has been or is being committed. There is a complaints procedure and officers cannot stop someone on grounds of race, gender or any other community that they may belong to. Gang activity is a possible exception to this.
Police stop and search powers keep the community safe. Police officers in England and Wales have the power to stop anyone that they feel could pose a threat to the community. They are then able to search the person and then make a decision on whether or not they are to be arrested. These powers keep our communities safe and the chance of being stopped and searched can make members of the community less likely to carry an illegal weapon or substance. A police presence and power to stop and search is critical to the safety of our communities.
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