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Section 1 PACE: Stop and Search Powers Explained

Section 1 PACE lets a constable stop, detain and search a person or vehicle in a public place for stolen or prohibited articles, but only with reasonable grounds for suspecting they will be found. PACE Code A sets the rules on suspicion, conduct and records. It matters to officers, exam candidates and anyone who has been searched.

Updated 2026-10-30 · 12 min read · Checked against official sources

Section 1 PACE is the stop and search power officers use most often, and the one the public asks about most. For the sergeants' exam you need the wording of the power, the limits on where and how it can be used, what Code A demands before, during and after the search, and how it compares with suspicionless powers such as section 60. This guide covers all of that with current paragraph numbers from PACE Code A (December 2023 edition).

If you are reading because you were searched, this page explains the rules neutrally; it is not advice on your own case. A solicitor can advise you, and gov.uk publishes a short guide to stop and search rights.

This guide is a revision aid, not legal advice; the exam follows the 2027 Blackstone's manuals. Checked against legislation.gov.uk on 30 October 2026.

Section 1 PACE in full

The power is in section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Subsection (2) says a constable:

"(a) may search (i) any person or vehicle; (ii) anything which is in or on a vehicle, for stolen or prohibited articles ... and (b) may detain a person or vehicle for the purpose of such a search."

Subsection (3) adds the safeguard: the power cannot be used unless the constable "has reasonable grounds for suspecting that he will find stolen or prohibited articles" (or one of the other listed items).

Where the power can be used

Section 1(1) allows the power:

  • in any place to which the public or a section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by express or implied permission; or
  • in any other place to which people have ready access at the time, but which is not a dwelling.

In a garden or yard used with a dwelling, a person can be searched only if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing they do not live there and are not there with the permission of someone who does (s.1(4)). Section 1(5) applies the same test to vehicles.

What the officer can search for

Item Where it is defined
Stolen articles s.1(2)
Offensive weapons: made or adapted for causing injury, or intended for that use s.1(7)(a), s.1(9)
Articles made, adapted or intended for burglary, theft, taking a conveyance (s.12 Theft Act 1968) or fraud (s.1 Fraud Act 2006) s.1(7)(b), s.1(8)(a)–(d)
Articles for criminal damage (s.1 Criminal Damage Act 1971) s.1(8)(e)
Articles for certain protest offences: wilful obstruction causing serious disruption, public nuisance (s.78 PCSC Act 2022), and locking on, tunnelling, obstruction of major transport works and interference with key national infrastructure under the Public Order Act 2023 s.1(8)(f)–(l)
Bladed or sharply pointed articles (s.139 or s.139AA Criminal Justice Act 1988) s.1(8A)
Corrosive substances (s.6 Offensive Weapons Act 2019) s.1(8AA)
Fireworks possessed in breach of fireworks regulations s.1(8B)

Anything found that the constable reasonably suspects falls into these categories may be seized (s.1(6)).

Key fact: The Public Order Act 2023 added the protest-related articles to s.1(8). Section 10 of that Act, which inserted them, has been in force since 20 December 2023.

Element What it means Evidence the officer records
Constable The power belongs to a constable; an officer not in uniform cannot stop a vehicle (s.2(9)(b)) Officer identity, uniform or warrant card shown
Place Public place, or place of ready access that is not a dwelling; garden rule in s.1(4) Location on the search record
Reasonable grounds Genuine suspicion plus an objective basis (Code A 2.2) The specific intelligence or behaviour relied on
Object Stolen or prohibited article or other listed item Object of search recorded (4.3(c))
Information given GOWISELY matters under s.2(3) and Code A 3.8 Note that each was given
Conduct Reasonable duration, at or near the place, clothing limits Time, place, extent of search
Record Made on the spot, or as soon as practicable, unless wholly impracticable (4.1) Search record including self-defined ethnicity (4.3(a))

GOWISELY

Section 2(3) PACE and Code A paragraph 3.8 list what the person must be told before the search. Officers remember it as GOWISELY:

  1. Grounds for the search.
  2. Object of the search.
  3. Warrant card, if not in uniform.
  4. Identity: the officer's name (or warrant number in national security cases or where giving a name might endanger the officer) and
  5. Station they are attached to.
  6. Entitlement to a copy of the search record, if asked for within 3 months (s.3(7)–(9)).
  7. Legal power being used.
  8. You are detained for the purpose of a search.

Code A 3.10 also requires information about stop and search powers and the person's rights.

Exam tip: The constable "shall not commence the search" until the s.2 information has been given (s.2(2)). Searching first and explaining afterwards makes the search unlawful, which can also take the officer outside the execution of their duty.

Reasonable grounds for suspicion under PACE Code A

Code A paragraph 2.2 describes a two-part test:

  1. The officer must have formed a genuine suspicion in their own mind that they will find the object; and
  2. That suspicion must be reasonable: based on facts, information or intelligence relevant to the likelihood of finding the object, so that a reasonable person would reach the same conclusion.

Officers must be able to explain the basis by reference to intelligence, information or "some specific behaviour by the person concerned".

Paragraph 2.2B says reasonable suspicion can never be supported by personal factors, alone or combined with anything else, unless there is information giving a description of the person. That includes physical appearance by reference to protected characteristics, a known previous conviction, and generalisations or stereotypes about groups being more likely to commit crime.

  • An officer with reasonable grounds may ask questions before searching. A satisfactory answer can dispel the suspicion; then no search may take place and, without another power, the person must be told they are free to leave (2.9, 2.10).
  • Grounds cannot be created retrospectively by questioning or by the person refusing to answer (2.9).
  • There is no power to stop or detain someone in order to find grounds (2.11). If grounds arise during a voluntary conversation, the officer may then detain and must give the 3.8 information first.
  • A person must not be searched, even with consent, where no power exists (1.5). The only exception is consent searches as a condition of entry to sports grounds or other premises.
  • Suspicion is about the item, not about an offence. A child under 10 suspected of carrying a prohibited article can be searched even though there is no power of arrest (2.2A).

Search powers compared, and the one offence to know

Section 1 creates no offence and carries no penalty. The exam instead tests how it compares with other powers and the summary offence of failing to stop under section 60.

Power Threshold Authority Duration Searches for
s.1 PACE Reasonable grounds to suspect Any constable Reasonable time to search Stolen and prohibited articles and items in s.1(8A)–(8B)
s.23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Reasonable grounds to suspect possession of a controlled drug Any constable Reasonable time to search Controlled drugs
s.10 Public Order Act 2023 Reasonable grounds to suspect Any constable Reasonable time to search Articles for protest-related offences
s.60 CJPOA 1994 No suspicion needed once authorised Inspector or above; superintendent extends Up to 24 hours, plus 24 Offensive weapons, dangerous instruments
s.11 Public Order Act 2023 No suspicion needed once authorised Inspector or above; superintendent extends Up to 24 hours Prohibited objects for protest offences

Failing to stop, or to stop a vehicle, when required under s.60 is a summary offence with a maximum of one month's imprisonment or a level 3 fine (s.60(8)).

Section 60 in detail

Under s.60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 an inspector or above may authorise searches in a locality if they reasonably believe that:

  • incidents involving serious violence may take place there and an authorisation is expedient to prevent them;
  • an incident involving serious violence has taken place, a weapon used in it is being carried in the locality, and an authorisation is expedient to find it; or
  • people are carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons there without good reason.

The authorisation must be in writing and state the grounds, locality and period, which cannot exceed 24 hours; an oral authorisation is allowed only in the "weapon used" situation and must be put in writing as soon as practicable (Code A 2.13). An inspector who authorises must tell a superintendent as soon as practicable (s.60(3A)), and a superintendent may extend for a further 24 hours (s.60(3)). Searches may be carried out only by a constable in uniform (Code A 3.9).

Key fact: Under s.60 "a constable may ... make any search he thinks fit whether or not he has any grounds for suspecting" (s.60(5)). Selection must still be objective and connected to the purpose of the authorisation (Code A 2.14A).

Key definitions and leading cases

  • Offensive weapon (s.1(9)): any article made or adapted for use for causing injury, or intended by the person having it for such use by them or another.
  • Dwelling: s.1 cannot be used inside one, and the garden rule in s.1(4) applies to land used with one.
  • Removal of clothing: in public, only an outer coat, jacket or gloves (s.2(9)(a); Code A 3.5), plus face coverings under s.60AA. A public search of clothing that is not removed is limited to a superficial examination of outer garments, though the officer may put a hand inside outer pockets and feel round collars, socks and shoes (3.5).
  • More thorough searches: out of public view, by an officer of the same sex, and not in the presence of anyone of the opposite sex unless the person asks (3.6). Searches exposing intimate parts must be at a nearby police station or other place out of public view, never a police vehicle (3.7).

Leading cases

  • Osman v DPP [1999]: officers who did not give their names and station before a search were not acting lawfully, so the defendant was not guilty of assaulting them in the execution of their duty. The s.2 duty is mandatory.
  • R v Bristol [2007]: a drugs search where the officer failed to give name and station was unlawful, and a conviction for obstructing the search was quashed. The same s.2 duties apply to s.23 Misuse of Drugs Act searches.
  • R (Roberts) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2015]: the Supreme Court held that s.60, with its safeguards, was compatible with the right to respect for private life under Article 8.
  • Arrest (s.24 PACE). If a search finds a prohibited article, arrest needs reasonable grounds to suspect an offence and a necessity reason under s.24(5). See the planned section 24 PACE guide.
  • Entry without warrant (s.17 PACE). A constable may enter and search premises to execute a warrant, arrest for an indictable offence or certain listed offences, recapture a person unlawfully at large whom they are pursuing, or save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property. Except for saving life or limb, the constable needs reasonable grounds for believing the person sought is on the premises. See the planned section 17 PACE guide.
  • Search on arrest (s.32) and after arrest (s.18). See section 32 PACE and section 18 PACE.
  • Custody. Once a person is arrested and taken to a station, PACE Code C governs their treatment and the search record becomes part of the custody record.

Worked exam scenarios

Scenario 1: the nervous pedestrian

At 2am PC ADAMS sees CLARKE, aged 19, walking away quickly when the police car turns into the street. There have been no reports of crime and no intelligence about CLARKE. ADAMS stops and searches him under s.1 and finds a screwdriver.

Answer: The search is unlawful. Walking away from a police car, with nothing more, gives no objective basis linked to the likelihood of finding a stolen or prohibited article (Code A 2.2). Grounds cannot be supplied afterwards by what the search found or by CLARKE's refusal to answer questions (2.9).

Scenario 2: the plain-clothes officer and the car

DC BROWN, in plain clothes, has information that a car being driven nearby contains stolen laptops. She flags the car down to search it under s.1.

Answer: She cannot. Section 2(9)(b) says no stop and search power authorises a constable not in uniform to stop a vehicle. She can search the car once a uniformed colleague has stopped it, after showing her warrant card and giving the GOWISELY information.

Scenario 3: the section 60 authorisation

After a stabbing outside a nightclub, the suspect escapes with the knife. At 01:00 an inspector gives an oral s.60 authorisation for the town centre. At 23:00 the next day officers are still searching under it.

Answer: An oral authorisation is permitted here because an incident involving serious violence has taken place and the weapon is believed to be in the locality; it must be recorded in writing as soon as practicable. It can last no more than 24 hours unless a superintendent extends it for a further 24 hours, so searches at 23:00 are lawful only if an extension was given in time.

Common exam traps

  • No dwellings. Section 1 cannot be used in a dwelling. Gardens and yards need the s.1(4) belief test.
  • Uniform and vehicles. Plain-clothes officers can search but cannot stop a vehicle (s.2(9)(b)).
  • Clothing. Outer coat, jacket or gloves only in public. Not shoes, not a T-shirt.
  • 3 months. The person can ask for a copy of the record within 3 months of the search (s.3(9)).
  • Ranks. Section 60 and s.11 POA 2023: inspector authorises, superintendent extends.
  • Reasonable suspicion relates to the article, not to a crime. Innocent possession or a child under 10 can still be searched (2.2A).
  • Consent is not a power (1.5).
  • Section 17 is not stop and search. It is a power of entry.

A search under s.1 often uncovers an offence covered in another guide:

Test yourself

Stop and search questions are about precision: the place, the rank, the time limit, the item.

  1. Take the free police powers topic quiz and the search and seizure topic quiz.
  2. Try the weapons topic quiz, since many s.1 and s.60 scenarios end in a weapons offence.
  3. Check your overall level with the free diagnostic, then sit mock 1 under exam conditions.

Our sergeants' exam guide explains where general police duties fits the 2027 syllabus, and sergeants' mock exam explains how to use timed mocks.

10 free police powers practice questions with answers

Try each one, then open the answer. For a timed experience use the free topic quiz.

  1. 1. Section 17(5) of PACE abolished the common law rules under which a constable could enter premises without a warrant. Which common law power of entry is expressly preserved?

    1. A. The power to enter licensed premises at any time during permitted hours.
    2. B. The power to enter a dwelling to serve a summons on a person who is evading service.
    3. C. The power to enter premises to deal with or prevent a breach of the peace.
    4. D. The power to enter to search for stolen goods when in fresh pursuit of a thief.
    Show answer

    C. The power to enter premises to deal with or prevent a breach of the peace.

    Section 17(5) PACE abolishes the common law powers of a constable to enter premises without a warrant. Section 17(6) preserves any power of entry to deal with or prevent a breach of the peace.

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.17(5)-(6)

  2. 2. Under s.24(5)(c)(iv) of PACE, arrest may be necessary to prevent the person committing an offence against public decency. What additional limitation applies to this reason?

    1. A. Only where the person has first been warned that continuing the conduct is likely to make arrest necessary.
    2. B. Only where members of the public going about their normal business cannot reasonably be expected to avoid the person.
    3. C. Only where a member of the public has complained of the conduct and is willing to give evidence about it.
    4. D. Only where the conduct takes place in a public place at night, when fewer people are around who could avoid it.
    Show answer

    B. Only where members of the public going about their normal business cannot reasonably be expected to avoid the person.

    Section 24(6) PACE provides that the public decency reason in s.24(5)(c)(iv) applies only where members of the public going about their normal business cannot reasonably be expected to avoid the person in question.

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.24(6)

  3. 3. PC TURNER hears screaming from inside a house and sees smoke coming from a window. He forces entry. Under which provision of PACE does he have power to enter, and does he need reasonable grounds to believe any particular person is inside?

    1. A. Section 17(1)(e), but only if he has reasonable grounds for believing that a particular person is on the premises.
    2. B. Section 17(1)(b), to arrest for an indictable offence; he must reasonably believe the offender is inside the house.
    3. C. Section 17(1)(e), to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property; no belief about who is inside is required.
    4. D. No power without a warrant, as no offence is suspected; only the fire service may force entry to deal with fires.
    Show answer

    C. Section 17(1)(e), to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property; no belief about who is inside is required.

    Section 17(1)(e) PACE allows a constable to enter and search premises to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property. Under s.17(2), the requirement for reasonable grounds to believe the person sought is on the premises applies to every s.17 purpose except paragraph (e).

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.17(1)(e), (2)

  4. 4. Which of the following correctly describes a constable's power of arrest without warrant under s.24 of PACE?

    1. A. It applies to any offence, provided there are reasonable grounds for believing arrest is necessary for a s.24(5) reason.
    2. B. It applies only to indictable offences, and only where the constable reasonably believes arrest is necessary.
    3. C. It applies to any imprisonable offence, provided the constable reasonably suspects guilt and the person is caught in the act.
    4. D. It applies to any offence, and reasonable grounds for suspecting the person's guilt are enough without any further condition.
    Show answer

    A. It applies to any offence, provided there are reasonable grounds for believing arrest is necessary for a s.24(5) reason.

    Section 24(1)-(3) PACE allows a constable to arrest without warrant in relation to any offence. Under s.24(4), the power is exercisable only if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that it is necessary to arrest the person for one of the reasons in s.24(5). Code G para 2.1 describes lawful arrest as needing both involvement (or suspected involvement) in an offence and reasonable grounds for believing arrest is necessary.

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.24(1)-(5)

  5. 5. PC JONES stops KAPOOR, who matches no description, because KAPOOR has a previous conviction for burglary and is walking in an area with recent burglaries. Under PACE Code A, which of the following is correct?

    1. A. The previous conviction may support a search if KAPOOR refuses to explain his presence in the area when questioned.
    2. B. The previous conviction, combined with KAPOOR's presence in an area with recent burglaries, gives reasonable grounds for a search.
    3. C. Without a description of a suspect, a previous conviction cannot be used, alone or with other factors, as the reason to search.
    4. D. A previous conviction is a sufficient ground on its own, provided it is for an offence similar to the one now suspected.
    Show answer

    C. Without a description of a suspect, a previous conviction cannot be used, alone or with other factors, as the reason to search.

    Code A para 2.2B provides that reasonable suspicion can never be supported on the basis of personal factors, including the fact that a person is known to have a previous conviction. Unless the police have information or intelligence giving a description of a suspect, such factors cannot be used, alone or in combination with others, as the reason for a search.

    Source: PACE Code A, para 2.2B

  6. 6. PC QUINLAN arrests RAMSAY for assault on the description of a victim. On the way to the police station, the victim phones to say the officer has the wrong man, and PC QUINLAN is satisfied there are no longer any grounds to keep RAMSAY under arrest. Which of the following is correct?

    1. A. RAMSAY may be released before reaching the station only with the consent of an inspector, which must be recorded.
    2. B. RAMSAY must still be taken to the police station so that the custody officer can decide whether to release him.
    3. C. RAMSAY must be released without bail, and PC QUINLAN must record the release as soon as practicable.
    4. D. RAMSAY may be released on street bail under s.30A to return to a police station once the victim has been re-interviewed.
    Show answer

    C. RAMSAY must be released without bail, and PC QUINLAN must record the release as soon as practicable.

    Under s.30(7)-(7A) PACE, a person arrested elsewhere than at a police station must be released without bail if, at any time before reaching a police station, a constable is satisfied that there are no grounds for keeping him under arrest. Under s.30(8)-(9), the constable must record the release as soon as practicable afterwards.

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.30(7)-(9)

  7. 7. PC KANE arrests LONG for burglary by taking hold of him in the street. LONG says, 'Fair enough, I know why you're grabbing me.' Which of the following is correct under s.28 of PACE?

    1. A. LONG must be told of the arrest and its ground as soon as practicable, even though both are obvious.
    2. B. LONG need not be told he is under arrest, because the fact of the arrest was made obvious by PC KANE taking hold of him.
    3. C. LONG need be told of the arrest and its ground only on arrival at the police station, before the custody officer.
    4. D. LONG must be told he is under arrest, but need not be told the ground because he has said that he already knows it.
    Show answer

    A. LONG must be told of the arrest and its ground as soon as practicable, even though both are obvious.

    Under s.28(1)-(4) PACE, an arrest is not lawful unless the person is informed, at the time or as soon as practicable afterwards, that he is under arrest and of the ground for it. Where a constable arrests, this applies regardless of whether the fact or the ground of arrest is obvious. Code G para 2.2 repeats this.

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.28

  8. 8. Under s.3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, for which purposes may a person use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances?

    1. A. Only when acting as a constable, or as a civilian called on by a constable to assist, in the execution of duty, including arrest.
    2. B. To prevent crime, or to effect or assist in the lawful arrest of offenders, suspected offenders or persons unlawfully at large.
    3. C. Only in self-defence or defence of another, where the person honestly believes an attack is imminent and cannot retreat.
    4. D. To protect property from damage, provided the person has first asked the trespasser to leave and has warned of the force.
    Show answer

    B. To prevent crime, or to effect or assist in the lawful arrest of offenders, suspected offenders or persons unlawfully at large.

    Section 3(1) Criminal Law Act 1967 allows any person to use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances to prevent crime, or to effect or assist in the lawful arrest of offenders, suspected offenders or persons unlawfully at large. It replaced the common law rules on these purposes (s.3(2)). Self-defence remains a common law defence.

    Source: Criminal Law Act 1967, s.3

  9. 9. Who may authorise stop and search under s.60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and for how long?

    1. A. A superintendent or above, for up to 48 hours, extendable by an assistant chief constable for a further 24 hours.
    2. B. An inspector or above, for up to 7 days, with a superintendent's review if the authorisation runs beyond 24 hours.
    3. C. An inspector or above, for up to 24 hours, extendable by a superintendent for a further 24 hours.
    4. D. A sergeant or above, for up to 12 hours, extendable by an inspector for a further 12 hours if violence continues.
    Show answer

    C. An inspector or above, for up to 24 hours, extendable by a superintendent for a further 24 hours.

    Section 60(1) CJPOA 1994 allows an officer of or above the rank of inspector to authorise the powers for a specified period not exceeding 24 hours. Under s.60(3), an officer of or above the rank of superintendent may direct that it continue for a further 24 hours. An inspector who authorises must inform a superintendent as soon as practicable (s.60(3A)).

    Source: Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60(1), (3), (3A)

  10. 10. DC EVANS, in plain clothes, detains FOX in the street to search him under s.1 of PACE. Which of the following must she do before starting the search?

    1. A. Arrest FOX first, because an officer in plain clothes may search a person without arrest only if accompanied by a uniformed colleague.
    2. B. Obtain FOX's consent, which must be recorded, because a plain clothes officer cannot compel a search in the street.
    3. C. Radio for a uniformed officer to conduct the search, because s.1 searches in public must be done by an officer in uniform.
    4. D. Show her warrant card and tell FOX her name and station, the power, the object and grounds, and his right to a copy of the record.
    Show answer

    D. Show her warrant card and tell FOX her name and station, the power, the object and grounds, and his right to a copy of the record.

    Section 2(2)-(3) PACE and Code A para 3.8 require a constable to take reasonable steps before the search to bring certain matters to the person's attention. A constable not in uniform must also produce documentary evidence of being a constable. The matters are the officer's name (subject to exceptions) and station, the object of the search, the grounds, the legal power used and the entitlement to a copy of the record.

    Source: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, s.2(2)-(3); Code A para 3.8

Frequently asked questions

+What is section 1 PACE?

Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is the general power for a constable to stop and search a person or vehicle for stolen or prohibited articles, certain bladed or pointed articles, corrosive substances and prohibited fireworks. The officer must have reasonable grounds for suspecting they will find such an item.

+What counts as reasonable grounds for suspicion?

Under Code A paragraph 2.2 the officer must genuinely suspect they will find the item, and that suspicion must be objectively reasonable, based on facts, information or intelligence, or specific behaviour by the person. Personal factors such as appearance, a protected characteristic or a previous conviction can never be the basis on their own or combined (2.2B).

+Do I have to give my name if I am stopped and searched?

gov.uk says that when police simply stop and question you, you do not have to stop or answer. Code A paragraph 2.9 says refusing to answer cannot itself provide grounds for a search. Other laws impose specific duties in some situations, for example on drivers, so take advice from a solicitor about your own case.

+What must an officer tell you before a search?

Section 2 PACE and Code A paragraph 3.8 require the officer to say you are being detained for a search, give their name (or warrant number in some cases) and station, the legal power used, the object of the search and the grounds, and tell you that you can have a copy of the search record within 3 months. An officer not in uniform must show a warrant card.

+Can police make you take clothes off in a street search?

Only an outer coat, jacket or gloves can be required to be removed in public (s.2(9) PACE and Code A 3.5), except a face covering under s.60AA CJPOA. A more thorough search, such as removing a T-shirt, must be out of public view and by an officer of the same sex. Searches exposing intimate parts must be at a nearby station or similar place, not a police vehicle.

+What is a section 60 search?

Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows an inspector or above to authorise suspicionless searches for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments in a locality for up to 24 hours, where serious violence may take place or weapons are being carried. A superintendent can extend it by a further 24 hours.

+Can you be searched in your own garden?

Not under section 1 unless the constable has reasonable grounds for believing you do not live there and are not there with the permission of someone who does (s.1(4)). Section 1 does not apply inside a dwelling at all.

+What is section 17 PACE?

Section 17 is a separate power to enter and search premises without a warrant to arrest for an indictable offence, to recapture someone unlawfully at large, to save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property, and for some other listed purposes. It is not a stop and search power.

Revision aid, not legal advice. The College of Policing exams follow the 2027 Blackstone's Police Manuals, so check every point against your manual and the current law on legislation.gov.uk. Police Sergeant Exam is independent and not affiliated with the College of Policing, the Home Office or Oxford University Press.

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