Contact with Police
The Police can stop you for a number of reasons it could be there was a crime in the area and that you match the description they were given such as the clothes you are wearing or that they can smell cannabis on you. They should ALWAYS tell why they are stopping you. If they don’t give a reason why you have been stopped, you can ask but remember always be polite.
It is important that you know that the person who is stopping you is from the police. If the person is not in uniform, they should show you their ‘warrant card’, which is a form of ID that proves they are a police officer.
You don’t have to answer any questions the police officer asks you. But if the police suspect you have committed a crime, they may question you ‘under caution’. This means anything you say is recorded and could be used to decide what happens next. You should, at all times, be respectful – swearing, shouting or being violent or aggressive is likely to result in you being charged with a crime.
The best thing to do, is to remain calm and polite. You’d be amazed how much better a situation is when the police realise that you’re just a normal person who isn’t aggressive, arrogant or a criminal. If you feel yourself getting a bit worked up concentrate on your breathing.
Warning: This film contains explicit language - Stop and Search
Y-Stop is a collaboration between young people, charities, lawyers, community and media organisations. It is run by Release in partnership with Fully Focused and StopWatch.
If the police want to search you, they must film the search on their body worn camera. They will tell you they are filming you.
If you are asked to remove more than your outer clothes (coat and gloves), the police officer must be the same gender as you.
If you're ever asked to take off something you wear for religious reasons, like a turban or veil, the police should make sure you go somewhere private where others can't see.
The police must complete a record to say they have searched you and either give you a copy of that record. This is your proof of what happened and you might need it later if you want to make a complaint. So, be sure to keep hold of it. If they cannot give you a copy of the record at the time, they will give you a card with a reference number which you can use to claim your receipt. Always ask for a receipt or a reference number.
It is important to remember that you cannot say no to being searched and the police can stop you from walking away if you try to
Warning: This film contains explicit language - Stop and Search
Y-Stop is a collaboration between young people, charities, lawyers, community and media organisations. It is run by Release in partnership with Fully Focused and StopWatch.
The police might ask you to remove more than just your outer clothing (coat/jacket and gloves). This is called a strip search. You must have a supporting adult with you for this called an Appropriate Adult . The supporting adult could be your parent, carer, social worker, or any other adult who does not work for the police. A strip search or a search exposing any of your private body parts must take place in a private space, usually inside a police station. The police officer and anyone else present must be the same gender as you. The police will take an audio recording of the search there won’t be any video.
If you are arrested and taken to the Police Station known as the Custody Suite, as you are under 18 you must be given access to an Appropriate Adult. Their job is to make sure that you the police treat your fairly and respect your rights. You can ask them any questions about what will happen to you or tell them if you are worried about anything and they will help you.
If the police are going to interview you about any offences, they will ask you if you want a solicitor. The Solicitor is free to use as you are under 18 and they are there to make sure that you are supported legally and get the best outcome if you have been arrested.
If you end up in a custody suit being questioned, the police will usually want to take photos, fingerprints and a mouth swab for DNA. Your consent is not usually needed and they can be taken by reasonable force if necessary. The police use these things to establish your identity and to prove or disprove involvement in current offence.
Would you know what to do if you were stopped by the police?
Further Support
Merseyside Police
Phone: 999 in an emergency
a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed
someone is in immediate danger or harm
property is in danger of being damaged
a serious disruption to the public is likely
Phone: 0800 555 111 for Crimestoppers
For more information about Police UK search Police UK in this directory.
Visit the Merseyside Police website
Catch 22
Offender management, violence reduction interventions, rehabilitation and victim services. Working with young people and adults, we provide intervention services in custody and in the community that are focused on building strong, consistent and trusting relationships to help unlock potential and make positive changes in life.
Phone: 020 7336 4800
Email: Peopleservices@catch-22.org.uk
For more information about Catch22 search Catch22 in this directory.
Visit the Catch22 Facebook page
Wirral Youth Justice Service Prevention Work
YJS prevention work is completed on a voluntary basis with young people aged 10 to 18 years who are involved in Anti-Social or Offending Behaviour.
Who is eligible and how can I make a referral to Prevention Services?
In order to be eligible for support young people must be involved in either 1,2, 3 or 4:
1 - Persistent high level ASB (consider checking with Wirral Anti-Social Behaviour Team)
2 - Behaviour which could have resulted in a prosecution (including regularly carrying weapons)
3 - Violence on parents/carers
(if this is the key issue then please contact Tim Collins 666 4918 for the referral form for this service)
4 – Concerning
(not harmful) sexual behaviour (those committing harmful sexual behaviour should be referred on the Changing Futures referral form and should contact Ann Ainscough or Patricia Wootton via our main number 666 3466
Additional Factors
School Factors – NEET, Exclusion or Risk of, Very low school attendance
Drug / Alcohol use impacting life chances
Peers or Family committing offences / Risk of Criminal Exploitation (CE)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
Referrals for the YJS Prevention Services should be completed on the Youth Justice Service referral form. Please call 0151-666-3466 for more details.