Being
a police officer carries responsibilities in keeping the safety of
the public. On some occasions where individuals may be a threat, the
police can verify the suspicion and act accordingly. The police of
England and Wales exercise legal powers to stop and search the
concerned individual.
The
police officer should have “reasonable cause” to stop and search
an individual. Usually, individuals who are suspected of catalysing
disturbances or crimes are stopped for questioning. They can be
searched for implements, such as weapons, drugs and stolen
properties.
There
are laws governing the stop and search power. For instance, the
officer is required to be in uniform or to present their warrant card
when giving stop orders. Further, the officer must provide
preliminary information prior to searching, such as his/her name and
police station, the “reasonable cause,” etc. The officer should
also stick to the provided restrictions on the manner, place and
extent of conducting searches.
Aside
from the specified limits of the power, the individuals to be stopped
and searched have ample rights as well, one of which is being given a
form or written copy accounting the conducted stop and search. This
can be used by the individual if he/she thinks that a misuse in power
or unfairness was exhibited by the officer.
The
CKP course module on searching individuals provides more detailed
discussions on the matter. With this, the police officers and
constables are well-guided in their actions should the need to
exercise this power arise.
