Policing.uk

Search for Weapons on School Premises

Criminal Justice Act 1988, s.139B

  • Warrant: No
  • Force: Yes
  • Notice: No

A constable may enter school premises and search those premises and any person on them for any bladed or pointed article or offensive weapon. The constable must have reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence under s.139A (having a bladed or pointed article on school premises) or s.139AA (having an offensive weapon on school premises) has been or is being committed. This power supports the prevention of knife crime in educational settings.

Conditions

  • The constable must have reasonable grounds for suspecting an offence under s.139A or s.139AA
  • The premises must be school premises within the meaning of the Act
  • The power includes searching persons found on the premises

Limitations

  • The search must be for bladed or pointed articles or offensive weapons only
  • School staff may also search pupils under the Education Act 2011 without police involvement
  • The constable should liaise with the headteacher where practicable before conducting the search

Last updated 24 September 2026