Plea services launched online.
Plea services launched on-line for motoring offences -
The Government has launched a new service that allows motorists charged with summary offences to enter a..link
Stop and Search Laws.
With the government recently announcing that they will be reviewing the stop and search rules we take a look at the rules that apply.
What can the police do under the stop and search powers?
As the rules stand at the moment, a police officer has the power to stop you and if the situation dictates, they have the power to search you at any time.
They also have the power to ask you what you are doing and why you are in a location. You do not have to answer these questions but that could lead on to other police action.
Why can the police do this?
The rules were introduced so that the police could take action if they feel that you are acting, will act, or have acted illegally.
Examples of this could be that-
The stop and search powers can only be carried out if the police officer has reasonable grounds; if they don't have 'reasonable grounds' then a senior police officer can permit the action.
It is the 'reasonable grounds' that is one of the main areas that have been brought into question and have resulted in the reforms: under a recent survey it was shown the 27% of all stop and searches were done without reasonable grounds, which amounts to some 250,000 searches, which has resulted in a waste of police time and ill feeling among those targeted.
Under the existing scheme reasonable grounds are defined as criminal action 'may' occur, the new definition will look at the definition as being that a crime 'will' occur.
What should happen if you are stopped?
A police officer must follow a process when undertaking a stop and search.
This will include a statement of why they can undertake the action, your rights, their details and an explanation as to why they are undertaking the search and what they are looking for.
The police officer can ask that you remove outer clothing such as a coat and gloves, this can include clothes being worn for religious reasons, which must be done out of public view.
If the officer asks that you remove any other items, they must also be of the same sex as you.
The review
- It has been shown, via a pilot scheme in London and the West Midlands, that using a more 'intelligence-led approach' has resulted in a fall of stops, at the same time crime has fallen and the ratio between stops and arrests has improved.
- As mentioned the definition of 'reasonable grounds' will be made clearer and if this is abused a police officer could face disciplinary action.
- The records being held by the police for stop and searches will be made more accessible to the public.
- Review of police training.
- Review of individual officer's ability to initiate a stop and search.
- Improve accountability.
If you would like to read more about the stop and search reforms visit the Home secretary statement
30th April 2014
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkGuide to a Prenuptial agreements.
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..link
Reporting a Crime.
If the crime is ongoing call 999, you should not put yours or anyone else’s safety at risk by taking action yourself...link
What is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkAnti-Social Behaviour
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as activities that are unacceptable and reduce the quality of life for others, this could be by harassm..link
Wilful Neglect.
Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..link
Computer & IT Law
Computer and IT Law.
Computer Law is concerned with controlling and securing information stored on and transmitted between computers. Computer networks contain..link
Stop and Search Laws to be changed?
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkWhat is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..link
Children and the Law Leaving a child at home.
There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if..link
Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours
Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medical compensation solicitor via solicitors.com
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitor can help you with your injury claim.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 0808 223 1133.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link