Stop and Search of Persons for Terrorism

Terrorism Act 2000, s.43

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

Allows a constable to stop and search a person whom the officer reasonably suspects to be a terrorist to discover whether the person has anything that may constitute evidence that the person is a terrorist. A separate power exists at s.43A to search vehicles.

Conditions

Constable must reasonably suspect the person is a terrorist within the meaning of the Terrorism Act 2000
Search is to discover evidence of that terrorism, not for other purposes

Limitations

Does not authorise entry to premises: it is a search of persons power
Items discovered can be seized but only if relevant
More intrusive than PACE s.1 stop and search in scope

Last updated 24 September 2026