Can police search a child or young person in the UK?

Yes. Police have the same legal powers to stop and search a minor as they do an adult, provided the legal grounds exist. However, additional safeguards apply: Code A of PACE 1984 requires that searches of under-18s should be carried out with particular sensitivity, and an appropriate adult should be present if the search involves removal of more than outer clothing.

The law

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Section 1. Power to stop and search for stolen goods, offensive weapons, or articles for use in certain offences. Requires reasonable grounds for suspicion.
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, Section 55. Intimate searches: restricted conditions, inspector authorisation, medical practitioner required where practicable, appropriate adult for juveniles.
PACE Code A, Paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7. Specific safeguards for searches of vulnerable people including children: sensitivity, out-of-view for beyond outer clothing, explanation in accessible terms.
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Section 60. Suspicion-free search power authorised by a senior officer. Applies to all persons including minors.

What to do

Ask the officer to explain the legal basis for the search: which power they are using and what they are looking for.
If the officer wants to search beyond outer clothing, request that this is done somewhere private and with an officer of the same sex where possible.
The child or young person does not have to answer questions but should not physically resist a lawful search.
Take note of the officer's name, number, and the time and location: a record can be obtained later.
If you believe the search was unlawful (e.g., no reasonable grounds under s.1 PACE), report it to the IOPC or seek legal advice.

In detail

The law governing stop and search in England and Wales does not distinguish between adults and children at the threshold question of whether a search can be conducted. If the legal grounds exist, a constable may search a person of any age. However, the manner in which that search is carried out is subject to additional safeguards for children and young people.

Legal powers for stop and search

The principal powers to stop and search in a public place are:

Section 1 of PACE 1984: allows search for stolen articles, offensive weapons, or articles made or adapted for use in certain offences. Requires "reasonable grounds for suspecting" the person is carrying such items. Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994: allows a senior officer to authorise searches in a locality without individual reasonable suspicion, typically used in anticipation of violence. Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 was repealed by s.59 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, following the ECtHR judgment in Gillan and Quinton v UK [2010]. The replacement power under s.47A requires a senior officer to reasonably suspect an act of terrorism will take place before authorising area-wide searches (individual suspicion of the person searched is not required once authorised).

Code A safeguards for under-18s

PACE Code A sets out the standards for stop and search. Key provisions for minors include:

Searches requiring removal of clothing beyond outer layers (coat, jacket, gloves) must not be conducted in public. If an officer needs to conduct such a search, it must be carried out out of public view, in a van or police station, and with an officer of the same sex if possible. For a child, Code A states that a person in loco parentis should be sought where practicable if an intimate search is required.

There is no strict requirement for an appropriate adult to be present for a routine outer clothing search, but the officer should exercise additional care and sensitivity when dealing with a young person. The officer should explain the search in terms the young person can understand.

Intimate searches

An intimate search (defined in s.55 PACE 1984 as a search of body orifices other than the mouth) must be authorised by an inspector or above and can only be carried out by a registered medical practitioner or registered nurse unless the authorising officer reasonably believes this is not practicable. For a juvenile, the appropriate adult must be present unless the juvenile specifically and independently objects.

After the search

The officer must provide a receipt or reference number to the person searched. Since 2011, full written records are no longer required at the scene for every search, but the officer must provide enough information for the searched person to access a full record later. This applies equally to minors.

Parental consent

Parental consent is not required for a lawful stop and search. An officer with the required grounds may search a child without a parent or guardian being present. However, if a child is detained at a police station, the appropriate adult framework under PACE applies immediately.