Stop and Search - Know Your Rights
Stop and Account and Stop and Search powers allow the police to combat street crime and anti-social behaviour, and prevent the occurrence of more serious crimes.
A ‘
stop’ is when an officer asks someone in a public place to account for their actions, behaviour or articles in their possession.
A ‘
stop and search’ is when you are searched if officers suspect you are carrying, drugs, weapons, stolen property of items which could be used to commit a crime.
Stop!
In some areas, the police are changing the way they record what happens when they stop people and ask them questions.
From December 2008, if the police stop you in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea or the Vale of Glamorgan, and ask you to account for yourself, you will get a receipt or card so you know who has stopped you.
The police will not fill in a form but will ask you what your ethnic background is. This information is monitored to help ensure that the police use stop and account fairly.
Remember! If you’re searched, you should still receive a detailed form.
The pages in this section will help provide more information on your rights should you be stopped or stopped and searched by the police.