Stop and search (GOWISELY)

Police powers to search you or a vehicle, usually only with reasonable grounds to suspect you are carrying drugs, weapons or stolen items.

Stop and search lets police search you, your clothing or a vehicle, usually in a public place. Most powers, such as section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, need reasonable grounds to suspect you have items like drugs, weapons or stolen goods. Under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, an inspector or more senior officer can authorise searches for weapons without suspicion in a set area for up to 24 hours (extendable by 24 hours) where serious violence is expected or has happened. Before searching, officers should give you the GOWISELY information: Grounds, Object, Warrant card if not in uniform, Identity, Station, Entitlement to a copy of the record, Legal power, and You are detained for a search. In public you can only be required to remove an outer coat, jacket or gloves, and sometimes a face covering. You do not have to give your name for a search.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.