Policing.uk

Search of Detained Persons at Police Station

PACE 1984, s.54

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

Authorises the custody officer at a police station to search any person who is in police detention, or to authorise the search by a constable. The custody officer must record everything the detained person has with them and may seize and retain anything except clothes and personal effects. Clothes and personal effects may only be seized if the custody officer believes the detained person may use them to cause injury, damage property, interfere with evidence, or assist an escape.

Conditions

  • The person must be in police detention at a police station
  • The search must be carried out or authorised by the custody officer
  • A record must be made of everything found on the detained person
  • Clothes and personal effects may only be seized on specific grounds (harm, escape, evidence)

Limitations

  • The search must be conducted by a person of the same sex where it involves removal of clothing
  • Strip searches may only be carried out where the custody officer considers it necessary to remove a concealed item
  • Items seized must be recorded and the detained person told why they are being taken

Last updated 24 September 2026