PACE procedure reference

The PACE sections and Code of Practice paragraphs behind everyday custody, search and detention procedure — each reproduced verbatim from the primary source.

Each procedure card points at the relevant PACE 1984 sections and PACE Codes of Practice paragraphs, reproduced verbatim from legislation.gov.uk and gov.uk. Nothing here is a paraphrase of the law — but the Codes are revised and statute is amended, so verify against the primary source and your force policy before you act. This is educational reference, not legal advice.

Stop & search

Stop and search: conducting a lawful search (Code A)

Where to find the stop and search powers and safeguards in ss.1-3 PACE 1984, the s.60 CJPOA 1994 authorisation power, and PACE Code A on the principles, the information to be given before a search, the conduct of searches and recording requirements — the exact wording reproduced verbatim for frontline officers.

Arrest & detention

Arrest: the power and the necessity test (Code G)

Where to find the power of arrest without warrant (s.24 PACE 1984) and PACE Code G on the elements of arrest, the necessity criteria and the information to be given on arrest — the exact wording reproduced verbatim for frontline officers.

Detention & custody

Detention clock: PACE time limits, reviews and extensions

Where to find the PACE 1984 rules on how long a person may be detained without charge, reviews of detention, continued detention and warrants of further detention, and the Code C provisions on reviews and charging — each reproduced verbatim from the primary source.

Interviewing & evidence

Cautions: when to caution and the exact words (Code C §10)

Where to find the PACE Code C section 10 provisions on when a caution must be given, the terms of the caution and special warnings, with the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 sections on inferences from silence — each reproduced verbatim from the primary source.

Find by task

How do I conduct a stop and search lawfully? — Stop and search: conducting a lawful search (Code A)
What must I tell the person first (GOWISELY)? — Stop and search: conducting a lawful search (Code A)
Recording a search — Stop and search: conducting a lawful search (Code A)
Is this arrest necessary? — Arrest: the power and the necessity test (Code G)
What must I say on arrest? — Arrest: the power and the necessity test (Code G)
Taking an arrested person to a station — Arrest: the power and the necessity test (Code G)
How long can we hold someone without charge? — Detention clock: PACE time limits, reviews and extensions
When is a detention review due? — Detention clock: PACE time limits, reviews and extensions
Who authorises continued detention? — Detention clock: PACE time limits, reviews and extensions
When must I caution someone? — Cautions: when to caution and the exact words (Code C §10)
What is the exact caution wording? — Cautions: when to caution and the exact words (Code C §10)
Special warnings for failure to account — Cautions: when to caution and the exact words (Code C §10)

Statutory text: Crown copyright, reproduced from legislation.gov.uk under the Open Government Licence v3.0. 4 procedure cards. Not legal advice.