Your Rights and How to Complain

The Police have powers to stop and question you at any time - they can also search you, depending on the situation.

Everyone has a civic duty to help Police Officers prevent crime and catch offenders. The fact that the Police may have stopped someone does not mean they are guilty of an offence.

What are my rights?

Here's a basic overview of rights that protect you:

English – Easy Read  

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Welsh 

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Arabic 

    

A more comprehensive guide to all your rights when you are stopped and searched is contained on the Home Office website.

How to Complain

We expect officers to be polite and respectful at all times and all stop and searches must be carried out with courtesy, consideration and respect. Stop and search powers must only be used fairly, responsibly and without discrimination.

If you are unhappy with how you were treated, you can complain.  You can also complain if you feel you were treated differently because of your ethnic background, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or a disability.  It will help if you keep the receipt the police gave you. 

You can get advice about how to make a complaint from: