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West Midlands Police website
Stop and Search
What is Stop and Search
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A 'Stop and Search' is when a police officer stops you in public and searches you, your clothes and anything you might be carrying. You can also just be stopped and questioned; this is called a 'Stop'.
Police have the legal right to stop or stop and search you at any time so long as its use complies with statutory powers granted by Parliament.
What are they looking for
Police can search you for:
- Drugs
- Weapons
- Stolen Property
- Terrorism-related evidence
- Evidence of other crimes
Where it might take place:
It generally happens in public places, for example in neighbourhoods that have been experiencing problems with crime and vandalism.
Anti-terrorism Stop and Search often happens in train/tube stations, crowded public places or near important landmarks such as parliament in London, or the Bull Ring in Birmingham.