What to do if you're stopped by police in Norwich

Police stops happen far more often than arrests, and how you handle one can shape what happens next. Knowing your rights — and using them politely — is your strongest asset.

When can police stop you?

In a vehicle, an officer can stop you under section 163 of the Road Traffic Act for any reason or none. You must stop and provide your name, address, date of birth, driving licence and insurance documents on request.

On foot, the position is different. An officer cannot stop you without lawful reason. They can stop you to ask questions, but you are not required to answer them unless you are being arrested or are subject to a specific power.

Stop and search

The most common powers are:

• Section 1 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) — reasonable grounds to suspect you have stolen goods or a prohibited article
• Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act — reasonable grounds to suspect controlled drugs
• Section 60 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act — authorised area, no reasonable suspicion needed (commonly used for knife-crime initiatives)

In every case the officer must tell you (the "GOWISELY" requirements):

• Grounds for the search
• Object sought
• Warrant card (if not in uniform)
• Identification of the officer
• Station they are attached to
• Entitlement to a copy of the search record
• Legal power being used
• You are being detained

Five practical rules

1. Stay calm and polite. Anger gives the officer reason to escalate; calm gives you the moral high ground.
2. Ask "Am I being detained, or am I free to go?" This clarifies your status legally.
3. Don't physically resist even if you believe the stop is unlawful. The place to challenge unlawful police action is in court, not on the pavement.
4. Don't answer questions about the suspected offence — you have the right to silence.
5. Make a mental note of the officer's number, the time, the location, and any witnesses. Write it all down immediately afterwards.

If a search finds something

You may be arrested. At that point everything in our guide to your rights when arrested applies. Ask for a solicitor before answering any questions.

If you believe the stop was unlawful

You can complain to the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk or to the police force directly. In serious cases a complaint can also be referred to the IOPC. A solicitor can help you formulate the complaint and gather the evidence (CCTV, body-worn footage — request promptly, retention periods are short).