Policing.uk

Stop and Search for Firearms

Firearms Act 1968, s.47

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

Authorises a constable who has reasonable cause to suspect a person of having a firearm in a public place, or to be committing or about to commit a relevant offence with a firearm, to require that person to hand over the firearm for examination. The constable may search the person and detain them for the purpose of exercising this power. This power also applies to vehicles.

Conditions

  • The constable must have reasonable cause to suspect possession of a firearm in a public place
  • Alternatively, reasonable cause to suspect the person is committing or about to commit a relevant offence involving a firearm
  • The officer may require the person to hand over the firearm for examination

Limitations

  • The power is specific to firearms: it does not extend to other weapons unless they fall within the Firearms Act definition
  • The officer must comply with PACE Code A requirements for stop and search
  • Failure to hand over the firearm when required is an offence under s.47

Last updated 24 September 2026