Powers of entry, search and seizure
14Power to stop and search persons
1
This section applies where a police or customs officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person has committed, or is committing, a relevant offence.
2
The officer may—
a
search the person for relevant evidence;
b
stop and detain the person for the purposes of the search.
3
The powers conferred by this section may be exercised in any place to which the officer lawfully has access (whether or not it is a place to which the public has access).
4
In this Act—
“police or customs officer” means—
- a
a constable,
- b
a designated customs official, or
- c
a designated NCA officer authorised by the Director General of the National Crime Agency (whether generally or specifically) to exercise the powers of a police or customs officer under this Act;
- a
“relevant evidence” means evidence that a relevant offence has been committed;
“relevant offence” means—
- a
an offence in connection with an exemption certificate or with registration under section 10, or
- b
an offence under section 12.
- a