Search Upon Arrest

PACE 1984, s.32

Warrant: No
Force: Yes
Notice: No

Allows a constable to search an arrested person and enter and search premises in which the person was at the time of or immediately before arrest. The search is limited to evidence of any offence or anything that could be used to escape or endanger. The premises power is narrower than s.18.

Conditions

Person must have been arrested other than at a police station
Constable must have reasonable grounds to believe the person may present a danger or that there is evidence
For the premises limb: person must have been on the premises at or immediately before arrest
Premises power: reasonable grounds to believe evidence relating to the offence for which arrested

Limitations

Premises search under s.32 is limited to the room or part of the premises where the person was: it is not a full search of all premises unlike s.18
Cannot search premises that are merely connected to the suspect but where they were not present
Power to search person: only for articles that could be used to escape, cause injury, or evidence of offence

Last updated 1 April 2026