GO-WISELY — Before any stop & search
The mandatory information you MUST give before searching a person or vehicle under PACE Code A. Failing to give it can render the search unlawful.
The steps
- 1
G — Grounds
Explain the reasonable grounds for the search.
- 2
O — Object
State what you are searching for.
- 3
W — Warrant card
Show your warrant card if not in uniform (or on request).
- 4
I — Identity
Give your name (or shoulder number where anonymity is needed e.g. counter-terrorism).
- 5
S — Station
State the station you are attached to.
- 6
E — Entitlement
Explain the person's entitlement to a copy of the search record.
- 7
L — Legal power
State the legal power being used (e.g. PACE s.1, MDA s.23).
- 8
Y — You are detained
Make clear they are being detained for the purpose of the search.
Related Acts & sections
Allows a constable to stop, detain and search a person or vehicle for stolen or prohibited articles, certain pointed/bladed articles, or fireworks, where reasonable grounds exist.
Allows a constable with reasonable grounds to suspect a person is in possession of a controlled drug to detain and search that person, anything in their possession, and any vehicle.
Offence to have any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed (other than a small folding pocket-knife with a cutting edge ≤ 3 inches) in a public place without good reason or lawful authority.
Offence to have a bladed/pointed article or offensive weapon on school premises. Includes a power of entry and search of school premises (s.139B) on reasonable suspicion.
Power for a constable to stop and search a person or vehicle where there is reasonable cause to suspect that they have a firearm with criminal intent or are committing/about to commit an offence under s.18 or s.20.
Watch outs
- Force used must be reasonable, proportionate, and a last resort.
- Outer clothing only in public — coat, jacket, gloves.
- Record the search (electronic or paper) and offer a copy.