PACE Act 1984

police and criminal evidence act 1984

s1

powers to stop and search

‘reasonable grounds for suspecting’

(drugs, weapon, stolen or prohibited items)

(upon some sensible comparison between the description of the alleged suspects and those being targeted for search)

s2

police must identify themselves, explain object of the search and give reasons for it

s3

formally record procedures of s2

s4

bail should be provided

unless they may fail to surrender, commit offence while on bail or interfere with witnesses

s24

powers to arrest

has, is or about to commit and offence

reasonable suspicion

s24(2)

a police constable can arrest a person without a warrant

if he/she reasonably suspects that an offence has been committed

and reasonably suspects that person of having committed it

s24(4)

must be necessary to make arrest

s24(5)

reasons for arrest to be necessary:

• Ascertaining the person's name and address. 

• Preventing the person from causing further damage. 

• Preventing the person from interfering with the investigation. 

• Protecting a child or other vulnerable person.

Code of Practice A, G and C

regulate stop and search, arrest and detention

s34

any detention should cease of there are no longer grounds

sections

s1 - stop and search
s2 - police must
s3 - formally record
s4 - bail
s24 - powers to arrest
s24(2) - suspects offence
s24(4) - necessary
s24(5) - reasons
Code of Practice A,G and C - regulate
s34 - detention cease