The police can stop and question you at any time. They can stop and search you depending on the situation. The rules are different in Scotland and different in Northern Ireland . If you鈥檙e unhappy with how the police have treated you, you can complain about your treatment .

Police powers to stop and question

The police can stop and question you at any time. A police community support officer ( PCSO ) must be in uniform when they stop and question you. A police officer does not always have to be in uniform. If they鈥檙e not, they must show you their warrant card as proof of their identity. A police officer might stop you and ask: what your name is what you鈥檙e doing in the area where you鈥檙e going You do not have to stop or answer any questions. If you do not and there鈥檚 no other reason to suspect you, then this alone cannot be used as a reason to search or arrest you.

Complaining about your treatment by the police

Contact the police force you want to complain about or call 101 if you鈥檙e unhappy about how the police have treated you. If you鈥檙e complaining about the treatment of a child under 18, you can also contact the Children鈥檚 Commissioner for England or the Children鈥檚 Commissioner for Wales . You can also ask your local Citizens Advice for advice. Police forces must refer certain types of complaints to the Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) .

Police powers to stop and search: your rights : Overview

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Police powers to stop and search: your rights

Overview

The police can stop and question you at any time. They can stop and search you depending on the situation.

The rules are and .

If you鈥檙e unhappy with how the police have treated you, you can complain about your treatment.

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Police powers to stop and search: your rights

Overview

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