Can the public physically search me?

Question

Can a member of the public physically stop and search me under a citizens arrest? What about cinema people and security guards? Can they search me? Or is it only the police that can use stop and search?

Just curious !

Answer 1

No they would have to wait for the Police to arrive otherwise it could be classed as assault.

Answer 2

Stop and search powers are given by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1981. Only the police (constable and above) can use these powers. They are not available to Community Support Officers or to Joe Public.



If you enter private premises such as a shop, cinema, pub or club, you agree to the terms and conditions set by the owner of the premises. These usually include an agreement to be searched if security staff have good reason to assume that you are carrying a weapon or have stolen something. They cannot search you if you have left the premises.



A notice on your front gate that anyone entering may be stopped and searched might keep the JWs away, but you wouldn't get many deliveries.

Answer 3

Business people (usually those running a club serving alcohol) could search you for weapons, alcohol, etc. as a condition of entering their premises (if you don't want to be searched, just don't ask to go in).



A "member of the public [could] physically stop and search [you] under a citizens arrest", but if they did not have a lawful reason for placing you under "citizen's arrest" they would be committing a crime (subject to arrest and being sued by you).

Answer 4

General Public - no they cannot.



Security on Nightclub doors can search for drugs in the presence of a Police Officer.



Basically only police and pcso's can search you in public.

Answer 5

I expect that, as a condition of entering certain public places, like an aircraft or even a cinema, you do have to submit to a search. Who wants a hijacker to interrupt their vacation or the peaceful enjoyment of a Batman movie?



As for a "citizen's arrest" don't try that with me or most people.

Answer 6

no,

not with out your permission they can only detain you until a police officer turns up

Answer 7

Yes Sir,

physically mentally and otherwise interogate you