Police Reform Act 2002

Search and seizure powers: alcohol and tobacco E+W

[F1 7A (1) Where a designation applies this paragraph to any person (“the CSO”), the CSO shall have the powers set out below.

(2) Where—

(a) in exercise of the powers referred to in paragraph 5 or 6 the CSO has imposed, under section 12(2) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 or under section 1 of the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997, a requirement on a person to surrender alcohol or a container for alcohol;

(b) that person fails to comply with that requirement; and

(c) the CSO reasonably believes that the person has alcohol or a container for alcohol in his possession,

the CSO may search him for it.

(3) Where—

(a) in exercise of the powers referred to in paragraph 7 the CSO has sought to seize something which by virtue of that paragraph he has a power to seize;

(b) the person from whom he sought to seize it fails to surrender it; and

(c) the CSO reasonably believes that the person has it in his possession,

the CSO may search him for it.

(4) The power to search conferred by sub-paragraph (2) or (3)—

(a) is to do so only to the extent that is reasonably required for the purpose of discovering whatever the CSO is searching for; and

(b) does not authorise the CSO to require a person to remove any of his clothing in public other than an outer coat, jacket or gloves.

(5) A person who without reasonable excuse fails to consent to being searched is guilty of an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6) A CSO who proposes to exercise the power to search a person under sub-paragraph (2) or (3) must inform him that failing without reasonable excuse to consent to being searched is an offence.

(7) If the person in question fails to consent to being searched, the CSO may require him to give the CSO his name and address.

(8) Sub-paragraph (3) of paragraph 2 applies in the case of a requirement imposed by virtue of sub-paragraph (7) as it applies in the case of a requirement under paragraph 1A(3); and sub-paragraphs (4) to (5) of paragraph 2 also apply accordingly.

(9) If on searching the person the CSO discovers what he is searching for, he may seize it and dispose of it.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Sch. 4 paras. 7A-7C inserted (1.1.2006) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 122, 178, Sch. 8 para. 8; S.I. 2005/3495, art. 2(1)(q)(r)