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Interactions with
The Police

Stay calm. Be polite but firm. Know precisely where the line is drawn.

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PACE CODE A

Stop & Search

Police can stop you in public. However, to SEARCH you, they generally need "Reasonable Grounds" to suspect you are carrying illegal items (drugs, weapons, stolen goods).

The G.O.W.I.S.E.L.Y Protocol

G - Grounds

The clear reason for their suspicion. Cannot be "You look nervous".

O - Object

What are they looking for? This limits the search (see below).

W - Warrant Card

If in plain clothes, they MUST show ID.

I - Identity

The officer's name or shoulder number.

S - Station

The station they are attached to.

E - Entitlement

You are entitled to a receipt (record) of the search.

L - Legal Power

e.g., S.1 PACE (Stolen goods/weapons), S.23 Misuse of Drugs.

Y - You

"You are detained for the purpose of a search".

Scope of Search

1
J.O.G. Rule

In public, they can typically only ask you to remove Jacket, Outer Coat, and Gloves. Any more than that (removing shoes, t-shirts) must be done out of public view (e.g., inside the van).

2
Logic of the Object

They can only look where the item could reasonably fit. If they suspect you of stealing a bicycle or TV, they cannot look in your wallet or small pockets.

Giving Details

You generally DO NOT have to give your name and address during a stop and search.

EXCEPTION If the search reveals illegal items, you will be arrested, and then you must provide details or be detained longer.

Timing

The officer must provide the GOWISELY information before the search or as soon as practicable. If they search you first and tell you why later, the search may be unlawful.

Read the Deep Dive

Detailed scenarios: Smell of Cannabis, "Reasonable Grounds", and Section 60.

→

Unlawful Arrest Guide

When can you sue for False Imprisonment?

Read Guide →

Use of Force Guide

Handcuffs, pain compliance, and assault.

Read Guide →

Complete Guide to Police Interaction in the UK

In the United Kingdom, relations between the police and the public are governed by "police by consent". However, specific powers are granted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).

Stop and Search Rights (Section 1 PACE)

Police cannot stop you just because they feel like it. Under Section 1 of PACE, they must have "reasonable grounds" to suspect you are carrying stolen goods, drugs, or weapons.

The "Smell of Cannabis": Police guidance (APP) states that the smell of cannabis alone is usually not sufficient grounds for a search without other factors.

Section 60 Orders

A "Section 60" order allows police to search anyone in a specific area without reasonable suspicion. This is usually authorised after serious violence. Officers must tell you if a S.60 is in force.

Your Rights When Arrested

If arrested, you have three key rights (custody rights):

  1. The right to have someone informed of your arrest.
  2. The right to free legal advice (Duty Solicitor).
  3. The right to consult the Codes of Practice.

Right to Silence: You do not have to answer police questions. However, UK law allows courts to draw "adverse inferences" from silence if you later rely on a defence you didn't mention. Always consult a solicitor.

Common Questions

Can I film the police?

YES. You have a legal right to film in a public place. There is NO expectation of privacy for officers in public. As long as you do not physically obstruct them (Section 89 Police Act 1996), they cannot stop you.

Do I have to give my name?

Generally NO. Unless you are being arrested, or reported for an offence (e.g., speeding, antisocial behaviour), or if the officer has 'reasonable belief' you are acting anti-socially (S.50 Police Reform Act).

What is 'Reasonable Suspicion'?

It must be based on objective facts (e.g., they see you hide something), not just a hunch, your age, your race, or the fact that you have previous convictions.