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—

    1. a

      a constable,

    2. b

      a designated customs official, or

    3. 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;

  • “relevant evidence” means evidence that a relevant offence has been committed;

  • “relevant offence” means—

    1. a

      an offence in connection with an exemption certificate or with registration under section 10, or

    2. b

      an offence under section 12.