Police stop 'n' search - advice?

[krakhead]

On getting off at my local train station this evening there were police there with a metal detector (big walk through one like in an airport). They were stopping passengers, asking them to step through and searching any bags that were being carried.

They were looking for knives apparently, they asked me to step through, I asked what powers they were using for this, the officer who was talking to me looked to another officer, this other officer just shook his head then they let me carry on out of the station without being searched!

Does anyone know the legalities behind such a search? Because of their response to my question, I've begun to suspect there wasn't one!

[dondaz]

Next time get it on film so we can see it for ourselves!

[krakhead]

Next time get it on film so we can see it for ourselves!

Unfortunately there was no warning, just off the train and into the waiting hands of the local constabulary! I'm not in the habit of carrying a camera around with me! ;)

[clozaril]

i'm pretty sure the police can issue you with a 'section 60' this was brought in for footy violence.


http://www.freewebs.com/knowyourshit/knowyourrights.htm

If you have a bag they will search that, but again for weapons only. Any other items, documents, potentially incriminating articles are OFF LIMITS.

Do not allow them to examine any of your personal possessions (cash cards, student cards, diaries, organisers etc). This is not part of S60. Under Article 8 of the UK Human Rights Act 1998 your privacy is assured. Make sure they know this. They can only confiscate weapons and facial masking.

They have the power to use "reasonable force" but ONLY if you do not submit to a search. No other force can be used for any other purpose.