Get Info » Stop & Search: Your Rights » What is a stop?

A 'stop' is when a police officer or police community support officer stops you and asks you to account for yourself. That is, if they ask you to tell them:

what you are doing;
why you are in an area or where you are going;
or
what you are carrying.

Because of the Stephen Lawrence Report, the officer must fill in a form saying why you were stopped and give you a copy (see Your right to a form).
Not every time a police officer or police community support officer talks to you will count as a stop. For example, if the officer

is looking for witnesses;
asks you for general information about an
incident; or
is giving you directions.

This does not count as a stop and the officer would not normally fill in a form. But even in this case if you want to you can ask for a form and the officer must fill one out and give it to you.

What is a stop and search?