Quick reference guide: legal application – applying the power lawfully

Summary

This guide outlines the principles for police officers regarding the lawful application of their powers during stop and search encounters. It emphasizes the need for proportionality in decision-making, ensuring that actions taken align with the aim of the search. Officers are encouraged to first seek cooperation from individuals before resorting to searches. Detaining individuals for searches must be communicated clearly, with reasonable use of force only if necessary. The extent of searches should be appropriate to the grounds for the search, and officers should thoughtfully assess the circumstances to determine the most effective search method. This guide serves as a framework to uphold fair, legal, and professional conduct in stop and search operations.

Key principles

• 1Actions must be proportionate to the aim of the search
• 2Seek cooperation before conducting a search
• 3Inform individuals of their detention status
• 4Use reasonable force only as needed
• 5The extent of the search must be appropriate and not excessive
• 6Consider alternatives before choosing a search method