A Police Officer may stop and search you if they reasonably suspect you to be in possession of an illegal or harmful item. Officers must have a specific reason to conduct a search and must carry out that search using a specific statutory power. An officer cannot search you without a specific reason even with your consent.
In Scotland, the Code of Practice on the use of stop and search governs all situations when officers stop and search a person. An officer can search:
• you and your clothes
• anything you are carrying, such as a bag or wallet
• the vehicle you are travelling in (where applicable).
For more information see Related Information.