Police Cheat Sheet

As per Section 24 of PACE, should a constable possess reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of an offence, they may arrest without a warrant anyone whom they have reasonable grounds to suspect of being guilty of it.

Nonetheless, the power of summary arrest is only exercisable if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that, for any of the reasons mentioned below, it is necessary to arrest the person in question.

Necessities:

• Allow a prompt and effective investigation
• Prevent causing physical injury to himself or any other person
• Prevent suffering physical injury
• Prevent loss of or damage to property
• Protect a child or other vulnerable person
• Ascertain a person's name
• Ascertain a person's address
• Prevent an offence against public decency
• Prevent causing an unlawful obstruction of the highway
• Prevent disappearance of the person in question

A constable is given the power to search an individual after arrest, which is not to be confused with the power to search individuals who are not under arrest under Section 1 PACE 1984.

The procedures and guidance for searching individuals, particularly in 'Public View', are similar to those outlined in Section 1. Section 32 PACE does not require the completion of a search record.

Section 32(2)(a) PACE - Search Person Under Arrest

A constable may search an arrested person in any case where the person to be searched has been arrested at a place other than a police station if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that the arrested person may have implements that are:

• Danger to self or others
• Implement to escape
• Evidence of any offence

Section 32(5) PACE

A constable may not search a person in the exercise of the power conferred by subsection (2)(a) above unless he has reasonable grounds for believing that the person to be searched may have concealed on him anything for which a search is permitted under that paragraph (i.e., DIE).

Section 32(3) PACE - Restriction on Power to Search Person

The power to search conferred by subsection (2) above (which includes Persons & Premises) is only a power to search to the extent that is reasonably required for the purpose of discovering any such thing or any such evidence.

Section 32(4) PACE - JOG

Clothing that can be removed whilst searching someone in public view:

• Jacket
• Outer coat
• Gloves

You are permitted to search more out of public view, including searching inside the mouth.

Section 32(8) & (9) PACE - Seizure of Items and Evidence

A constable searching a person in the exercise of the power conferred by subsection (1) above may seize and retain anything he finds, if he has reasonable grounds for believing that the person searched might use it to cause physical injury to himself or to any other person.

A constable searching a person in the exercise of the power conferred by subsection (2)(a) above may seize and retain anything he finds, other than an item subject to legal privilege, if he has reasonable grounds for believing:

• That he might use it to assist him to escape from lawful custody; or
• That it is evidence of an offence or has been obtained in consequence of the commission of an offence.

Disclaimer: The content within this channel is to aid officers in gathering essential information required upon reaching custody with a detained individual.

Required information for booking in

• Job Number
• Arresting Officer Collar Number
• Arrest Location
• Offence(s) arrested for
• Arrest Necessity
• Force Used

Considerations

• Dry Cell?
• Photographs of injuries or body map?
• Strip Search?
• Seizure of Clothing or Property?
• Translator Required?
• Any swabs needed?
• Appropriate adult needed?
• Medical Attention Required?

Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to variations based on the specific force and current circumstances. Please consider this as a foundational concept and adapt accordingly.

Satisfaction

The initial consideration a Custody Sergeant will make is to determine whether the arrest is lawful and to consider if the arrest is proportionate, necessary, and justified before authorizing the detention of the detained person and continuing with the next stages.

Entitled Rights

Base Transcript: You’re entitled to certain rights while you're at the police station. These are ongoing rights, which can be exercised at any time while you're here. So they can be exercised now or at any time whilst you are being detained at this police station.

• Independent legal advice, meaning you can speak to a solicitor, either in person or it can be on the telephone.
• (If requested: Do they use any particular solicitors? If not legal services have a 'Duty Scheme' which are defence solicitors who take turns in being on a rota and would be contacted on behalf of the detainee)
• The right to have someone informed that you've been arrested and you've been detained at this police station.
• The right to consult a copy of the Codes of Practice, which is a book explaining all the police powers and procedures whilst you are at the police station.

Welfare Questions & Risk Assessment

Base Transcript: "I'm going to be asking you a series of questions, I hope you answer them honestly and as fully as you can for me."

• Are you able to understand what I'm saying?
• Can you read and write?
• Do you need any help in reading and writing?
• Do you have any injuries at the moment?
• Are you taking any medication for anything?
• Who's your GP?
• When was the last time you saw your GP?
• Have you ever been a member of the armed forces?
• Have you ever tried to harm yourself?
• How are you feeling now?
• Have you taken any drugs or alcohol in the last 24 hours?
• Are you dependent on alcohol?
• Do you have any dependents or caring responsibilities? (Such as children, pets, etc.)