Police Powers of Arrest in the UK Quiz

Answer: No

If you are stopped by the police, it doesn't necessarily mean that they believe you have committed a crime. They can stop (and search you) if they suspect that you are carrying an illegal substance or an offensive weapon, but they may just want to know if you have seen anything suspicious within the last couple of hours.

Answer: Their address

If you are stopped, an officer must tell you their name, the police station where they are stationed, why you have been stopped and what they are looking for. The details of this stop have to be recorded on a form, along with information about what you were doing, where you were going and what you were carrying.

Answer: False

In most instances, the police can't stop you based on your race, religion, age or image unless you fit the description of somebody involved in a crime. This is for obvious reasons, including discrimination. However, in terms of laws surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol, somebody suspected to be under the age of 18 CAN be stopped in a city centre on a popular drinking night solely on the basis of age.

Answer: If you are not in possession of an item they had been searching for

The form listing details of an official stop will, obviously, not be provided if there is no official stop. In other words, you will not be issued with the form if you stop the officer and ask for information, such as directions, if you have witnessed a crime and are providing them with information, and if you are in the area of a crime and are being asked if you have seen something.

Answer: False

There are four plausible reasons that an officer can stop a member of the public. The most obvious two are that they suspect the individual of carrying an offensive weapon or an illegal substance. Less obvious, although logically correct are on the basis of preventing terrorism or anti-social behaviour.

Answer: Section 44

Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 states that a police officer can search anybody for equipment which could be used to commit an act of terrorism. The suspicion does not have to be reasonable and can take place anywhere.

Answer: Effectively prevents terrorism

By being able to search anybody, anywhere if they are suspected of carrying equipment that could be used to commit an act of terrorism, numerous arguments have been raised as to why this is acceptable and unacceptable. On one hand, it is more effective at preventing crime and could save lives, as well as considering that if a person is innocent, they have nothing to worry about. On the other hand however, it allows prejudice to occur, may be a waste of time, could violate human rights and defies section on of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

Answer: 1984

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act was created in 1984. Section 1 of this act states that police officers can stop and search vehicles and people for stolen goods and offensive weapons if they have a reasonable suspicion that they will be found. It is also important to remember the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Section 60 allows the police to search people in a specific time in a specific place if they believe that personal danger is imminent or that the person is in procession of a dangerous weapon. An example of this being used would be gang fights or football hooligans.

Answer: Shoes

Several rules must be followed if police officers require you to remove any clothes. Firstly, if they are in plain clothes, they must show you a warrant card or some form of identification. They can only request the removal of a coat, jacket and/or gloves. If they want you to remove any more items of clothing, they have to be the same gender as you and must take you somewhere private.

Answer: 12 months

You may wish to complain because the officers who stopped and searched you were rude and/or used unreasonable force, you feel that you were unfairly targeted, or because you feel it was a vendetta against you because you witnessed them treating somebody else unfairly.

This complaint can be made in numerous ways, the most obvious being by person in any police station. You can also make a complaint via e-mail or telephone. You may also complain to the citizens advice bureau or the commission for racial equality. You must have your stop and search form with you, however, or you will not be able to complain.

It is also important to include details of the incident and the identity of any witnesses. Your complaint will usually be read within 10 days of being submitted and you will then be visited by an investigator.