What does the Stop and Search policy allow police officers to do?

The Stop and Search policy allows police officers to stop and search individuals based on reasonable suspicion of illegal activity. This approach is designed to empower law enforcement to act when they have a legitimate basis for suspecting that a person is involved in criminal behavior, such as carrying illegal drugs, weapons, or stolen property.

The emphasis on "reasonable suspicion" is important because it ensures that police actions are not arbitrary or discriminatory, but rather grounded in specific, objective indicators that suggest a person may be engaged in unlawful activities. This balance is intended to protect citizens' rights while also enabling police to maintain public safety and prevent crime effectively.

Other options do not align with the principles of the Stop and Search policy, as they suggest actions that either violate individual rights or lack the necessary legal framework. The ability to stop and search without cause, for example, would lead to abuses of power and undermine public trust in law enforcement.