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Stop and Search

The police can stop and search people to detect certain types of crime. This can help the police to catch criminals and make our communities safer.

The information below provides more details about Stop and Search. Police officers can stop and speak to you at any time. But they should only stop you to search you if they have good reason.

The Association of Police Authorities (APA) has published a range of leaflets that expAssociation of Police Authoritieslain 'stop and account' and 'stop and search', go to the APA website to find out more.

In this video, Acting Inspector Zac Owen, From Lincolnshire Police, tells you what you need to know if you are stopped by a Police officer for the purpose of a search. (external website)

Monitoring Stop and Search

Lincolnshire Police Authority is committed to monitoring and scrutinising the Force’s use of stop search powers and to raise the awareness of an individual’s rights if they are stopped and searched.  We do this 4 times a year through the Community and Partnership Committee.  We have nominated a Police Authority Member to ‘champion’ this area of work and to provide additional assurances to the Committee.

In this video, Police Authority member Graham Dark talks about the responsibilities the Authority has with regard to Stop and Search. (External website)

Latest Stop and Search Records

The Force publishes the latest Stop and Search/Stop and Account records each year.  You can access these figures through the Force website.

Stop and Search - Authority and Force Joint Statement

Lincolnshire Police Authority and Lincolnshire Police are committed to the effective implementation of stop and search powers in the pursuit of community safety, crime prevention and investigation. We will ensure that these powers are exercised fairly, impartially and respectfully and only on occasions which are both reasonable and proportionate to the prevailing circumstances. The Authority will continue to monitor the Force's use of these powers in order to assist the Force in achieving our joint aims.

Stop and Search - Your RightsStop and search picture

Who can stop you?
  • A police officer or a
  • Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

A PCSO must be in a uniform.  A police officer does not have to be in a uniform but they must show you their identity card.

What is a ‘Stop’?

A ‘stop’ is when a Police officer stops you and asks you:

  • what you are doing,
  • why you’re in a certain area or
  • where you are going or
  • what you are carrying.
What is a 'Stop and Search'

Police officers can stop and talk to you at any time. But they should only search you if they suspect you are carrying:

  • Drugs
  • Weapons
  • Stolen Property
  • Or tools which could be used to commit a crime or to carry out an act of violence.

The Police officer can ask you to take off outer clothing such as your coat or jacket.

They can ask you to take off anything you wear for religious reasons such as a face scarf, veil or turban.  

If the police officer ask you to do this they should, if possible, take you somewhere out of public view.

You can ask that the officer who searches you is the same sex as you.

It does not mean that you are being arrested.

Where can I be Stopped and/or Searched?
  • In a public place.
  • Or anywhere - if the police believe you have committed a serious crime.
  • If the police think there may be serious violence then they can search everyone in an area for weapons - eg near a football ground - without needing a good reason to search each person.

You will not be stopped and searched on personal factors alone such as age, colour, hairstyle, the way you dress etc.

What if I’m in a vehicle?
  • Your vehicle can be stopped at any time.
  • You may be asked to show your driving documents.
  • You should be given a written record.
  • How should a stop and search be carried out?

Before you are searched, the police officer must tell you and make sure that you understand:

  • that you must wait to be searched
  • what law they are using and your rights
  • their name
  • the station that they work at
  • why they stopped you
  • what they are looking for and
  • your right to a stop/search form.
Why Me?

If you are stopped and / or searched it doesn't mean you have done something wrong. But a police officer must have a good reason for stopping you and should tell you what this is. You should not be stopped and / or searched just because of your age, race, colour, or the way you dress.

Your Right to a form

If you are stopped or searched the officer must fill in a stop/search form and give you a copy. You should get a copy of the stop/search form straight away unless they are called away to an emergency, in this case you can get a copy from a Police Station. It is important for you to keep your copy of the stop/search form, especially if you are not happy with the way you were treated.

What can I do if I am unhappy about how I was treated?

The officer should treat you fairly and with respect.  If you are unhappy about how you were treated you can complain.

If you feel that you were treated differently because of your race, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religion or faith, you can complain.

You can get advice, or in the case of a complaint, be given information on how to proceed from:

Further Information

We know the use of stop and search can be controversial, however Lincolnshire Police and Police Authority believe that the power is essential to deter and detect crime.

The following video was commissioned by the Metropolitan Police Authority and a partnership of groups including community and charity organisations, and is designed to examine the issues, and inform everyone of their rights during a Stop and Search encounter.

Metropolitan Police Stop and Search Video (External website)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Further Information 2

Stop and Search information in various languages and in audio can be found on the APA's Stop and Search website