English and Welsh Police Law Explained
Jul 21, 2026 · 23 min · 11 segments
In this weeks episode we look at what police can and can't do in their general duties, by focusing on the Codes of Practice, defined in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Today's legislation…
Code A Code A of PACE Codes of Practice sets out the rules that police officers must follow when exercising their stop and search powers to ensure these are used fairly, lawfully and without discrimination whilst also helping officers prevent and detect crime.
In most situations an officer must have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is carrying stolen property, prohibited articles or items connected with a criminal offence before a search can take place.
A person's appearance, age, race, religion or previous convictions alone can never be used as reasonable grounds for a search.
However, they can be used to support other grounds.
When carrying out a stop and search, officers must identify themselves who are appropriate, explain the legal power they are using, tell the person why they are being searched and in most cases provide their name, along with information about how a record of the search can be obtained.
The search itself must be conducted with respect and only to the extent necessary to achieve its purpose.
under this code it states that officers may ask someone to remove outer clothing such as coats jackets or gloves in public however the removal of more clothing can only take place in private to ensure stricter safeguards code b Code B of PACE Codes of Practice sets out the rules that police officers must follow when searching premises and seizing property.
It ensures that searches are carried out lawfully, fairly and with respect for the rights of those affected.
In many cases, officers must obtain a search warrant from a magistrate before entering private premises, although there are circumstances where legislation alone allows entry of outer warrant, such as making an arrest or to protect life.
The codes provide guidance on how these powers should be exercised and the safeguards that must be followed.
When carrying out a search, officers should identify themselves, explain the purpose of the search and, where appropriate, provide a copy of the search warrant to explain the legal power that authorises their entry.
Searches should be conducted at a reasonable hour, whenever possible, and officers should only search areas where the items they are looking for could reasonably be found.
If officers discover property they are legally entitled to seize, such as evidence relating to an offence or items obtained for a criminal activity, they must record what has been taken and provide information to the occupier about how they can retain a record of the search.
Code A Code A of PACE Codes of Practice sets out the rules that police officers must follow when exercising their stop and search powers to ensure these are used fairly, lawfully and without discrimination whilst also helping officers prevent and detect crime.
In most situations an officer must have reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is carrying stolen property, prohibited articles or items connected with a criminal offence before a search can take place.
A person's appearance, age, race, religion or previous convictions alone can never be used as reasonable grounds for a search.
However, they can be used to support other grounds.
When carrying out a stop and search, officers must identify themselves who are appropriate, explain the legal power they are using, tell the person why they are being searched and in most cases provide their name, along with information about how a record of the search can be obtained.
The search itself must be conducted with respect and only to the extent necessary to achieve its purpose.
under this code it states that officers may ask someone to remove outer clothing such as coats jackets or gloves in public however the removal of more clothing can only take place in private to ensure stricter safeguards code b Code B of PACE Codes of Practice sets out the rules that police officers must follow when searching premises and seizing property.
It ensures that searches are carried out lawfully, fairly and with respect for the rights of those affected.
In many cases, officers must obtain a search warrant from a magistrate before entering private premises, although there are circumstances where legislation alone allows entry of outer warrant, such as making an arrest or to protect life.
The codes provide guidance on how these powers should be exercised and the safeguards that must be followed.
When carrying out a search, officers should identify themselves, explain the purpose of the search and, where appropriate, provide a copy of the search warrant to explain the legal power that authorises their entry.
Searches should be conducted at a reasonable hour, whenever possible, and officers should only search areas where the items they are looking for could reasonably be found.
If officers discover property they are legally entitled to seize, such as evidence relating to an offence or items obtained for a criminal activity, they must record what has been taken and provide information to the occupier about how they can retain a record of the search.
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