The Police

The police have the right to stop you on the street whatever age you are. Stop and search helps prevent street robbery, weapon carrying and a quarter of all drug dealing. If you get stopped you must stay composed. Getting angry will make your arrest more likely. When you are stopped you have the right to be treated with respect and the Police Officer/s has to tell you their name, what station they are based at and the reason they have stopped you. You also have to give them your name and address, but there is no need for you to answer any other legal questions until you have had legal advice.

The Police have the right to search your outer clothing if they suspect you are carrying a weapon or drugs.

Thames Valley Police has a website aimed at young people, with information on stop and search, shoplifting, car crime and other details of the force's work: click on the Thames Valley Police link.

Police Beat areas

For more details on the police beat areas click on the police beat areas website.