Stop and Search for Stolen or Prohibited Articles

PACE 1984, s.1

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

A constable may search any person or vehicle in a public place where the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that the person is carrying stolen articles or prohibited articles (offensive weapons, bladed articles, articles for use in certain offences). This is one of the most commonly used stop and search powers.

Conditions

Must be in a public place or a place where the public have access
Constable must have reasonable grounds to suspect the person is carrying stolen or prohibited articles
Officer must give name, station, the object of the search, and grounds for it before searching

Limitations

Cannot be used to search for controlled drugs (use MDA s.23 for that purpose)
The reasonable grounds must be objective and not based on protected characteristics
A written record must be made and given to the person if requested
Cannot be used on private residential premises

Last updated 1 April 2026