Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 : code A: revised code of practice for the exercise by: police officers of statutory powers of stop and search; police officers and police staff of requirements t (Revised edition, 2014)

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and its Codes of Practice are a vital part of the legislative framework that lays out police powers for combating crime.

Code A explains the exercise by police officers of statutory powers to search a person or a vehicle without first making an arrest.

It also outlines the need for a police officer to make a record of a stop or encounter.

This Code of Practice must be readily available at all police stations for consultation by police officers, police staff, detained persons and members of the public.

This Code applies to any search by a police officer and the recording of public encounters taking place after 00.00 on 27 October 2013