What is 'stop and account'?

‘Stop and account’ is when an officer stops you and asks you:

• what you are doing
• why you are in an area or where you are going
• what you are carrying.

A police officer or police community support officer (PCSO) does not have the power to force you to stay with them if you are stopped and asked for your actions.

Who can carry out a ‘stop and account’?

• a police officer
• a PCSO.

A PCSO must be in uniform but a police officer does not have to be. They must show you their identity card if not in uniform.

What is recorded and your right to a receipt

If you are stopped the officer will only record using their Airwave Radio your self-defined ethnicity and the date and time of the Stop and Account.

You will be given a Customer Contact Card showing the date and time you were stopped, and the officer’s name and details. This is only necessary if practicable for the officer and if the customer wishes to wait.

For further information, please have a look at the Stop and Account Q&A poster