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Police powers, plainly.

The free powers library: 59 police powers in England & Wales, each with the conditions you need before you use it, who can use it, the safeguards and the key definitions. Free for everyone. No sign-up.

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Showing 59 of 59

  1. Stop and search for stolen or prohibited articlesPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.1A constable may stop, detain and search a person or vehicle in a public place if they have reasonable grounds to suspect they will find stolen or prohibited articles, bladed articles, corrosive substances or prohibited fireworks.Stop and searchA constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  2. Stop and search safeguardsPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.2–3The steps an officer must take before, during and after any search of a person or vehicle without arrest, from giving the GO WISELY information to making a record and offering a copy.Stop and searchA constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  3. Search for controlled drugsMisuse of Drugs Act 1971, s.23Lets a constable stop, detain and search a person or vehicle when they have reasonable grounds to suspect someone unlawfully has a controlled drug, and lets a magistrate issue a warrant to search premises for drugs.Stop and searchA constable, Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
  4. Stop and search without suspicion in anticipation of serious violenceCriminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60Once an inspector or above has authorised it for a locality, a uniformed constable may stop and search people and vehicles there for weapons without any grounds for suspicion.Stop and searchA constable in uniform (inspector or above authorises), Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
  5. Removal of face coveringsCriminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60AAWhere a s.60 or s.60AA authorisation is in force, a constable in uniform can require a person to remove an item worn to conceal their identity, and seize items intended for that purpose.Stop and searchA constable in uniform (inspector authorisation), Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
  6. Firearms stop and searchFirearms Act 1968, s.47A constable who reasonably suspects a person has a firearm in a public place, or is committing or about to commit a s.18 or s.20 firearms offence elsewhere, may require them to hand it over, search and detain them, search vehicles and enter any place to do so.Stop and searchA constable, Firearms Act 1968
  7. Terrorism stop and search (reasonable suspicion)Terrorism Act 2000, ss.43–43ALets a constable stop and search a person reasonably suspected of being a terrorist, or a vehicle reasonably suspected of being used for terrorism, for evidence of that.Stop and searchA constable (in uniform to stop a vehicle), Terrorism Act 2000
  8. Stop and search without suspicion in a specified area or place (terrorism authorisation)Terrorism Act 2000, s.47AWhere a senior officer has authorised it, a uniformed constable may stop and search vehicles, their occupants and pedestrians in a specified area or place for evidence of terrorism, without needing reasonable suspicion.Stop and searchA constable in uniform, under an assistant chief constable's (or Met/City commander's) authorisation, Terrorism Act 2000
  9. Road checksPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.4Lets the police stop all vehicles, or vehicles picked by a set criterion, in a specified locality to find out whether a vehicle is carrying an offender, a witness, an intending offender or a person unlawfully at large.Stop and searchA superintendent or above (authorisation), or a lower rank if urgent, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  10. Entry and search of school premises for weaponsCriminal Justice Act 1988, s.139BLets a constable enter school or further education premises and search the premises and anyone on them for bladed or pointed articles and offensive weapons, where an offence under s.139A or s.139AA is suspected.Stop and searchA constable, Criminal Justice Act 1988
  11. Arrest without warrantPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.24Lets a constable arrest anyone involved, or reasonably suspected of being involved, in any offence, but only where they reasonably believe arrest is necessary for one of the reasons in s.24(5).ArrestA constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  12. Arrest without warrant by other personsPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.24ALets a person who is not a constable (a "citizen's arrest") arrest someone for an indictable offence, but only where arrest is necessary for a listed reason and a constable cannot reasonably make the arrest instead.ArrestAny person other than a constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  13. Information to be given on arrestPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.28An arrest is only lawful if the person is told they are under arrest and why, at the time or as soon as practicable afterwards, and a constable must also caution them.ArrestAny person making an arrest (stricter rules for a constable), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  14. Arrest elsewhere than at a police stationPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.30After an arrest away from a police station, a constable must take the person to a police station as soon as practicable, but may delay this for immediate investigations or release them first.ArrestA constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  15. Street bailPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.30A–30DLets a constable release a person arrested away from a police station on bail, before they reach a station, with a requirement to attend a police station later and, if needed, bail conditions.ArrestA constable (with custody officer authorisation), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  16. Voluntary attendance at a police stationPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.29Sets the rules when a person who has not been arrested attends a police station or other place to help an investigation, including a voluntary interview under caution.ArrestA constable (no power to detain), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  17. Arrest for breach of bailBail Act 1976, s.7Lets a constable arrest without warrant a person on court bail who is unlikely to surrender, has broken or is likely to break a bail condition, or whose surety has asked to be released.ArrestA constable, Bail Act 1976
  18. Breach of the peace – arrest and entryCommon lawA common law power to arrest or detain someone, and to enter premises, to deal with a breach of the peace happening now or to prevent one about to happen.ArrestAny person (including a constable), Common law
  19. Arrest of a suspected terroristTerrorism Act 2000, s.41A constable may arrest without warrant anyone they reasonably suspect to be a terrorist, and the person can then be held for up to 48 hours, or up to 14 days with a court warrant.ArrestA constable, Terrorism Act 2000
  20. Entry to arrest or save lifePolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.17Lets a constable enter and search premises without a warrant to arrest or recapture someone, or to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property.Entry, search and seizureA constable (in uniform for some purposes), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  21. Entry and search after arrestPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.18Lets a constable enter and search premises occupied or controlled by a person under arrest for an indictable offence, to look for evidence of that offence or a connected or similar one.Entry, search and seizureA constable, with an inspector's written authority (unless s.18(5) applies), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  22. Search upon arrestPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.32After arresting someone away from a police station, an officer may search them for danger, escape items or evidence, and for an indictable offence may search the premises where they were arrested or were immediately before.Entry, search and seizureA constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  23. Search warrantsPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.8, 15–16Lets a justice of the peace issue a warrant for a constable to enter and search premises for evidence of an indictable offence, where entry by consent is not practicable or would defeat the search.Entry, search and seizureA constable (applies to a justice of the peace; any constable may execute), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.8
  24. General power of seizurePolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.19Lets a constable who is lawfully on any premises seize anything there that they reasonably believe is evidence of an offence or was obtained by an offence, where seizure is needed to stop it being lost or destroyed.Entry, search and seizureA constable lawfully on the premises, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  25. Seize and siftCriminal Justice and Police Act 2001, ss.50–51Lets an officer who is already lawfully searching take items away to sort through elsewhere when it is not reasonably practicable to work out on the spot what can be seized, or to separate it from other material.Entry, search and seizureA person lawfully searching under a listed power (usually a constable), Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001
  26. Entry to investigate licensable activitiesLicensing Act 2003, ss.179–180Lets a constable enter premises without a warrant to check that licensable activities are licensed and run within the rules, and to enter and search premises for offences under the Licensing Act 2003.Entry, search and seizureA constable or authorised person (s.180 – constable only), Licensing Act 2003
  27. Seizure of dangerous dogsDangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.5Lets a constable or authorised council officer seize prohibited or dangerously out of control dogs, and lets a justice issue a warrant for a constable to enter premises, search and seize dogs or evidence of an offence under the Act.Entry, search and seizureA constable or authorised local authority officer (seizure); a constable (warrant), Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
  28. Detention before chargePolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.37Requires the custody officer to decide, as soon as practicable, whether there is enough evidence to charge an arrested person, and lets them authorise detention without charge only where it is necessary to secure, preserve or obtain evidence.Detention and custodyA custody officer (sergeant or above), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  29. Limits on detention without chargePolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.41–44Sets the maximum time a person can be held in police detention without charge – 24 hours from the relevant time, up to 36 hours on a superintendent's authority, and up to 96 hours under warrants from a magistrates' court – for indictable offences only beyond 24 hours.Detention and custodyA superintendent or above (to 36 hours); a magistrates' court on a constable's application (to 96 hours), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  30. Reviews of police detentionPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.40–40ARequires the detention of every person held in police detention for an offence to be reviewed at set intervals, so it continues only while the legal grounds for it still exist.Detention and custodyAn inspector or above (before charge) or the custody officer (after charge), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  31. Right to have someone informed when arrestedPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.56A person arrested and held in custody can have one person told where they are, and an inspector can delay this only for an indictable offence on specific grounds, for no more than 36 hours.Detention and custodyAn inspector or above (to authorise delay), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  32. Access to legal advicePolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.58An arrested person held in custody may consult a solicitor privately at any time, and a superintendent may delay this only for an indictable offence, on set grounds, for up to 36 hours.Detention and custodyA superintendent or above (authorising delay), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  33. Searching detained personsPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.54Lets the custody officer find out and record what a detained person has with them, have them searched to the extent necessary, and seize items that could cause harm or are evidence.Detention and custodyThe custody officer (search carried out by a constable), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  34. Intimate searchesPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.55Lets an inspector authorise a search of the body orifices (other than the mouth) of a person arrested and in police detention, to find a concealed item that could cause injury or a Class A drug held for supply or export.Detention and custodyAn inspector or above (authorisation), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  35. Taking fingerprints without consentPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.61Lets the police take a person's fingerprints without consent after arrest, charge, conviction or caution for a recordable offence, or on the street to check the identity of a suspect whose name is unknown or doubted.Detention and custodyA constable (some routes need inspector or court authorisation), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  36. Taking non-intimate samples without consentPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.63Lets any constable take a non-intimate sample, such as a mouth swab or hair, without consent from a person arrested, charged, reported or convicted for a recordable offence, where the law's conditions are met.Detention and custodyA constable (inspector's authority in some cases), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  37. Drug testing in custodyPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.63BLets police take a urine or non-intimate sample from a detainee to test for a specified Class A drug, after arrest or charge for a trigger offence, or for another offence where an inspector suspects drug misuse contributed.Detention and custodyA police officer (inspector or above to authorise for a non-trigger offence), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  38. Power to stop vehiclesRoad Traffic Act 1988, s.163Lets a constable in uniform require the driver of any mechanically propelled vehicle, or the rider of a cycle, on a road to stop, without needing any suspicion.Road policingA constable in uniform, or a traffic officer in uniform, Road Traffic Act 1988
  39. Requiring production of a driving licenceRoad Traffic Act 1988, s.164Lets a constable or vehicle examiner require a driver, a suspected driver or a supervisor of a learner to produce their driving licence, and lets a constable require them to state their date of birth in set circumstances.Road policingA constable or vehicle examiner (date of birth, s.164(4), (4A) and (5) – constable only), Road Traffic Act 1988
  40. Requiring name, address, insurance and MOTRoad Traffic Act 1988, s.165Lets an officer require a driver, or a person believed to have been the driver at an accident or when a road traffic offence was committed, to give names and addresses and produce insurance and test certificates.Road policingA constable or a vehicle examiner, Road Traffic Act 1988
  41. Seizure of vehicles driven without a licence or insuranceRoad Traffic Act 1988, s.165ALets a uniformed constable seize and remove a motor vehicle when the driver fails to produce a licence or evidence of insurance, or fails to stop, and the constable reasonably believes it is or was being driven without a licence or insurance.Road policingA constable in uniform, Road Traffic Act 1988
  42. Preliminary tests (breath, impairment and drug tests)Road Traffic Act 1988, ss.6–6CLets a constable require a driver or person in charge of a motor vehicle to co-operate with a roadside breath, impairment or drug test, where drink or drugs, a moving traffic offence or an accident is suspected.Road policingA constable (in uniform for s.6(2)–(4)), Road Traffic Act 1988
  43. Arrest after a preliminary test and entry after an injury accidentRoad Traffic Act 1988, ss.6D–6ELets a constable arrest without warrant a person whose preliminary breath or drug test indicates they are over the limit, or who fails to co-operate with a preliminary test, and to enter any place to test or arrest after an accident involving injury.Road policingA constable, Road Traffic Act 1988
  44. Provision of specimens for analysisRoad Traffic Act 1988, ss.7–7ALets a constable investigating a drink or drug driving offence require evidential specimens of breath, blood or urine, at the places and on the grounds the Act sets out.Road policingA constable, Road Traffic Act 1988
  45. Seizing vehicles used antisociallyPolice Reform Act 2002, s.59Lets a uniformed constable stop, seize and remove a motor vehicle that is being, or has been, driven carelessly, inconsiderately or off-road in a way that causes or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to the public.Road policingA constable in uniform, Police Reform Act 2002
  46. Dispersal powersAnti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, ss.34–35Once an inspector has authorised dispersal powers for a locality, a uniformed constable may direct a person in a public place there to leave and not return for up to 72 hours.Public order and ASBAn inspector or above (authorisation); a constable in uniform (direction), Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
  47. Community protection noticesAnti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.43A constable or council officer may serve a notice requiring a person aged 16 or over, or a body, to stop or put right persistent, unreasonable conduct that is harming the quality of life of those in the locality, once a written warning has been ignored.Public order and ASBA constable, the relevant local authority or a person it designates, Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
  48. Closure notices for premisesAnti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, s.76Lets an inspector or above close premises for up to 48 hours (72 hours if a superintendent issues it) where their use is causing nuisance or nearby disorder, pending a closure order hearing.Public order and ASBAn inspector or above (also the local authority or a registered social housing provider), Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
  49. Requiring name and address for anti-social behaviourPolice Reform Act 2002, s.50A constable in uniform who has reason to believe a person has engaged, or is engaging, in anti-social behaviour can require them to give their name and address.Public order and ASBA constable in uniform, Police Reform Act 2002
  50. Power to remove trespassers on landCriminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.61The senior officer at the scene may direct two or more people trespassing on land with a common purpose of residing there to leave, and to take their vehicles and property, where the occupier has asked them to go and damage, disruption or distress has been caused or there are six or more vehicles.Public order and ASBThe senior police officer present at the scene, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
  51. Powers to remove persons attending or preparing for a raveCriminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.63A superintendent who reasonably believes people are preparing for, waiting for or attending a rave may direct them to leave the land and take their vehicles and property with them.Public order and ASBA superintendent or above (direction); any constable at the scene (to pass it on), Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
  52. Imposing conditions on public processionsPublic Order Act 1986, s.12Lets a senior police officer give directions imposing conditions on the organisers of, or people taking part in, a public procession where they reasonably believe it may cause serious disorder, damage, disruption, noise impact or intimidation.Public order and ASBA senior police officer (s.12(2)), Public Order Act 1986
  53. Imposing conditions on public assembliesPublic Order Act 1986, s.14Lets a senior police officer give directions imposing conditions on the organisers of and people taking part in a public assembly, where they reasonably believe it may cause serious disorder, damage, disruption, noise impact or intimidation.Public order and ASBA senior police officer (s.14(2)), Public Order Act 1986
  54. Removal to a place of safetyMental Health Act 1983, ss.136–136BLets a constable remove a person who appears to be mentally disordered and in immediate need of care or control to a place of safety, or keep them at one, so they can be assessed within 24 hours.Safeguarding and mental healthA constable, Mental Health Act 1983
  55. Warrant to search for and remove patientsMental Health Act 1983, s.135Lets a constable, under a magistrate's warrant, enter premises by force if needed to remove a person with a mental disorder to a place of safety for assessment, or to take or retake a patient who is liable to be detained.Safeguarding and mental healthA constable (under a warrant from a justice of the peace), Mental Health Act 1983
  56. Police protectionChildren Act 1989, s.46Lets a constable remove a child to suitable accommodation, or stop a child being removed from a hospital or other place, for up to 72 hours where the child would otherwise be likely to suffer significant harm.Safeguarding and mental healthA constable (inquiry and release by the designated officer), Children Act 1989
  57. Reasonable force when exercising PACE powersPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.117Lets a constable use reasonable force, if necessary, when exercising any power PACE gives them, unless that power needs the consent of someone other than a police officer.Use of forceA constable, Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
  58. Use of force to prevent crime or make an arrestCriminal Law Act 1967, s.3Lets anyone, officer or member of the public, use force that is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent crime or to make or help with a lawful arrest.Use of forceAny person, Criminal Law Act 1967
  59. Reasonable force in self-defence and householder casesCriminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, s.76Lets any person use reasonable force to defend themselves or another, protect property, prevent crime or make a lawful arrest, judged on the facts as they honestly believed them, with a wider margin for householders facing intruders.Use of forceAny person (including a constable), Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

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