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Draft: these answers come from research checked on 16 October 2026 and have not yet been reviewed by a solicitor. Each answer shows how it was checked. This is general information, not legal advice.

Police and stop and search

6 questions

  1. 20Can police search me because they say they smell weed?
  2. 21What must police tell me before a search?
  3. 22Do I have to give my name?
  4. 23Can I film the police?
  5. 24How do I complain about a search?
  6. 25Can police search my car or house?

20.“Can police search me because they say they smell weed?”

They need "reasonable grounds", and national guidance calls relying on smell alone "not good practice". But no court has ruled smell can never be enough.[34][38] Stay calm, get the record, complain afterwards if needed.

Law:
MDA s.23; PACE Code A; IOPC recommendations (April 2022)
Help:
StopWatch; IOPC
Where:
England and Wales
Source:
policeconduct.gov.uk
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

21.“What must police tell me before a search?”

GOWISELY: Grounds, Object, Warrant card (if not in uniform), Identity, Station, Entitlement to a record, Legal power, You are detained.

Law:
PACE ss.2–3; Code A
Help:
StopWatch
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

22.“Do I have to give my name?”

For a stop and search alone, generally no, but obstructing a search is an offence. Different rules apply after arrest or when driving.

Law:
PACE Code A; MDA s.23(4)
Help:
StopWatch
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

23.“Can I film the police?”

Generally yes in public, if you don't obstruct them. You can request body-worn video later via a subject access request.

Law:
Police Act 1996 s.89 (obstruction)
Help:
StopWatch; ICO
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

24.“How do I complain about a search?”

Complain to the force or via the IOPC website.[8] Note the date, time, officer numbers and search reference.

Law:
Police Reform Act 2002
Help:
IOPC; StopWatch
Where:
England and Wales
Checked against the named source on 16 Oct 2026

25.“Can police search my car or house?”

Cars, yes, with reasonable grounds. Homes normally need a warrant or a specific power. Don't resist; challenge it afterwards with advice.

Law:
MDA s.23(2)–(3); PACE ss.18, 32
Help:
duty solicitor
Where:
England and Wales
To be checked against the live source before final publication

General information, not legal advice. For your situation: a solicitor (free at the police station), Release or Citizens Advice.

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