Stop and Search

• The search must be justified, lawful and stands up to public scrutiny
• The officer has genuine and objectively reasonable suspicion they will find a prohibited item for use in a crime
• You understand why you have been searched and feel you have been treated with respect
• The search was necessary and the best method the officer could use to establish whether you have such an item.

You should be informed of:

• why you are being stopped and/or searched
• the officer’s name and the station they are based
• which power they have used to stop you, and
• you should be treated in a professional manner, with dignity and respect.

If an officer needs to remove more than your jacket, outer coat or gloves, footwear or headgear, you will be taken somewhere out of public view. This could include a police vehicle or police station and, if the search involves the removal of more than footwear or headgear it will be done in the presence of an officer who is the same sex as you.

You don’t have to give the officer your personal details even if they ask for them. You will be offered a record of the search.

As part of the Home Office Best Use of Stop and Search & Scheme, the Force's Professional Standards Department (PSD) flag every complaint which relates to stop and search. At the point of flagging, the complaint is cross referenced with other stop and search complaints over the previous 12 months to check for any trends. This is reported through Stopwatch (a quarterly meeting to review our Stop and Search activity). Where trends are identified, an action plan will be implemented.

The Force runs a lay observers' scheme which allows members of the public to accompany police officers on patrol to witness and feedback on the use of stop and search.

We welcome expressions of interest from Surrey residents wishing to take part in the scheme. To do so please visit the contact us page. In order for us to conduct basic security checks we will require your full name, date of birth and address.