Police powers to stop and search: your rights
Police powers to stop and question
The police can stop and question you at any time.
A police community support officer (PCSO) must be in uniform when they stop and question you.
A police officer does not always have to be in uniform. If they’re not, they must show you their warrant card as proof of their identity.
A police officer might stop you and ask:
- what your name is
- what you’re doing in the area
- where you’re going
You do not have to stop or answer any questions. If you do not and there’s no other reason to suspect you, then this alone cannot be used as a reason to search or arrest you.