Can the police stop, search and arrest you?

Stopping and searching

The police may stop you if they have good reason. They can search you in public but it must be by an officer of the same sex as you. They must tell you why they have stopped you and what they are looking for. They must give you a form to say why they stopped you.

Going to the police station

If you’re ‘under arrest’, you must go.

If you’re ‘asked to come to the station’, you don’t have to go.

Keeping you at the police station

You can be held for up to 24 hours without charge. You can be held for longer with special permission.

You have the right to:

o        tell someone you’re being held
o        free legal advice
o        say nothing
o        be accompanied by an adult if you’re under 17.