Open consultation

Stop and search authorised professional practice (APP)

From:
College of Policing
Published
27 April 2026

Applies to England and Wales

Summary

The College of Policing is seeking views on updated guidance that will help police officers across the country conduct stop and searches.

This consultation is being held on another website.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

The College of Policing invites views on updated authorised professional practice (APP) for stop and search in England and Wales. 

The updated APP is child-centred and addresses disproportionality affecting children, young people and other vulnerable groups. It strengthens safeguarding requirements and places greater emphasis on the quality of the encounter itself, not just whether a search takes place, but how it is conducted. 

To have your say, read the consultation document and complete the online questionnaire.

Updates to this page

Published 27 April 2026

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