Welcome to the Wiltshire PCC home website
Police Stop and Search
Your rights as a young person
Why do Police carry out stop and search?
Stop and Search is a very important tool for the Police to use for their community that they serve. This tool is very effective when it’s used in the correct way in the fight against knife crime. This allows Police to make everyone account for their location and or behaviour for a justified Policing reason.
Stop Searches should always be video recorded by the attending Officer’s Body Worn Video Camera.
Watch this video to find out more
Stop & Search
Police have the power to stop and search any person if they have 'reasonable grounds' to suspect that person may be carrying something that is against the law or could cause harm to others. This could include illegal drugs, a knife or weapon, stolen items or an item that could be used to commit a crime.
Examples of 'reasonable grounds' could include:
- a member of the public has reported that someone is carrying something they shouldn't be.
- somebody matches the description of who they are looking for.
What are your rights to Stop and Search?
- The officer stopping you must explain the reason why the Police are stopping you and searching you
- The officer should be treating you with respect and dignity
- if English is not your first language, and you do not understand why you have been stopped, reasonable steps must be taken to provide you with information in your own language
- the search must take place near where you are stopped, except in instances where moving you would protect your privacy
What happens if you caught by Police Carrying a knife/weapon?
- Immediately you are arrested as this is an OFFENCE to carry a weapon or bladed article in public
- You can end up with a criminal conviction for carrying weapons. So, when it comes to getting a job, an enhanced check may reveal this conviction to any potential future employers
A conviction could lead to a prison term, even if the knife isn’t used
