NCJ Number
104644
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The British 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act specifies police powers to stop and search, conduct road checks, and make arrests.
Abstract
The act also has protective provisions applicable to virtually all powers of stop and search. A stop and search can only be conducted when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that stolen or prohibited articles are being carried on the person searched. Reasonable suspicion must be based on factors capable of objective evaluation. As to conduct of the search, the act encourages police to be courteous and considerate, using reasonable force as a last resort. The act also provides for the police recording of information about each search. Road checks can be used to search for persons, not evidence, and only for a person unlawfully at large or reasonably suspected of being involved in or a witness to the commission of a serious arrestable offense. Arrest power is authorized whenever an officer suspects any offense, no matter how minor, has been or is being committed. As soon as practical, arrestees must be informed they are under arrest and the grounds for it. The premises on which the arrest occurred or the premises occupied by the arrestee immediately prior to the arrest may be searched for evidence. If the arrest is for an arrestable offense, premises occupied or under the control of the arrestee may be entered and searched for evidence. 13 notes.