powers of the police

• powers of the police - stop and search

  One power of the police in Scotland is to stop and search. The police can detect and search anyone they suspect to be carrying harmful or illegal items (such as weapons, stolen goods or illegal drugs) before causing further harm. They can also stop and search anyone they believe is a terrorist or is planning on carrying out a terrorist act. For example, in 2021/22, there were 30,807 stop and searches in Scotland.
• powers of the police - to arrest

  Another power of the police in Scotland is to arrest. The police need reasonable grounds to suspect you're involved in a crime such as they have evidence to charge you with a crime or they have an arrest warrant. They have the power to arrest anywhere, whether at work, at home or on the street. For example, Police Scotland arrested five men for minor offences following the Rangers v Celtic football match at Hampden in April 2023.
• powers of the police - to enter premises

  Another power of the police in Scotland is to enter a premises. This means that police officers have the power to enter a property without a warrant to protect life and property or pursue a person who has committed or is attempting to commit a serious crime. For example, the police may be able to enter without a warrant if they suspect a murder, rape, or housebreaking.