The searcher must first:
- Identify him/herself to you.
- Inform you of the reason for the search.
- Request that you consent to the search; and
- If you do not consent to the search, inform you that it is an offence to obstruct the searcher from doing the search.
The searcher must do the search as quickly as possible and with as little intrusion as possible. If the searcher wants to remove any article the person is wearing, the searcher must tell you why this is necessary.
You must be allowed to dress as soon as the search is finished.
You must be provided with an adequate replacement for an article of clothing or footwear seized and you must not be questioned while the search is being done.
If you are under the age of 18 and have a Basic Search, the Police do not have to do this in the presence of your parents or responsible adult whereas with a Strip Search, this must be done (if practicable) in the presence of a parent or responsible adult or some other person who can provide you with support and represent your interests (e.g. a youth worker).
A Basic Search should be carried out by a person of the same gender unless this is not practicable, or the searcher is a doctor or a nurse.
Strip Searches have additional rules in that it must not be done unless the searcher reasonably suspects that a strip search is necessary in the circumstances. If it involves removing any article you are wearing or searching your private parts, the searcher must be of the same gender unless he/she is a doctor or nurse. Any other person present must also be of the same gender as the person being searched. It must be done where it affords reasonable privacy to the person.