The Police are there to protect you and the community. Their aim is to keep you and your property safe.

You may have been stopped and searched by the Police, which is frustrating if you haven’t done anything. However, a police officer is allowed to stop and search you if they think you are carrying drugs, a knife or other weapon, or stolen property. 

If you are stopped by the police: stay calm. If you’ve done nothing wrong, and you answer their questions politely, you’ll be fine. But if you get angry or you’re rude to the Police, you’ll only make things worse.

If you see something on the streets that makes you feel unsafe, such as someone with a gun or knife make sure you report it. Never feel pressured by others to keep quiet if you see anything you don't think is right. If you want to report something anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• If there is a Community Safety Officer at your school, or one that visits regularly, they will be able to answer any questions you may have about policing in your area. They’ll also be able to tell you how you can help to make your neighbourhood safer.
• If you are over 10 years old you are criminally responsible. Any crimes you commit when you are young can still affect you in later life

Some facts about Stop and Search

• If you are stopped by a police community support officer, they must be in uniform. A police officer does not have to be in uniform, but they must show you their identity card.
• You can ask that the officer who searches you is the same sex as you.
• They can ask you to take off anything you wear for religious reasons, such as a face scarf or a turban.
• Before you are searched they should tell you why they stopped you, what they are looking for, their name and the name of the station they work at. They should also explain your rights and give you a form.

Contacts 

www.apa.police.uk/APA/Features/Police+Stops/Stop+and+Search/