Circular 021/2014: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Codes of Practice - revision to Code A (Stop and Search)
The purpose of this circular is to highlight the revision of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).
Documents
Details
- broad subject: Police service
- sub category: Police powers
- issue date: 16 December 2014
- implementation date: 18 December 2014
- from: Crime and Policing Group, Policing Directorate
- for more information contact: Brian.Roberts21@homeoffice.gov.uk
- addressed to: Chief Officers of Police in England and Wales
- copies sent to:
- Chief Officers of Police in England and Wales
- Chief Officers of non-Police Act forces
- Police and Crime Commissioners
- Association of Police and Crime Commissioners
- The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
- The Common Council of the City of London
- The Association of Chief Police Officers of England
- Wales and Northern Ireland
- The General Council of the Bar
- The Law Society of England and Wales
- The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
- College of Policing
- National Policing Lead for Stop and Search
- National Crime Agency
- Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
- Border Force
- National Appropriate Adult Network
- Independent Custody Visiting Association
- Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary
- Independent Police Complaints Commission
- PACE Strategy Board Members
Dear Chief Officer,
The purpose of this circular is to highlight the revision of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), Code of Practice A for Stop and Search. This revised Code has been subject to statutory consultation as required under section 67(4) of PACE. It was laid before Parliament on 5 December 2014 and will come into force in 2015, 21 days after The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (Codes of Practice) (Revision of Code A) Order 2015 is made following Parliamentary approval by both houses.
The Order which will bring the Code into effect in 2015 is published and a copy of the revised Code laid before Parliament is available online.
The main changes in the revised Code implement the government’s commitment, as set out in the Consultation on Stop and Search to “Revise the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Code of Practice A to make clear what constitutes ‘reasonable grounds for suspicion’ - the legal basis upon which police officers carry out the vast majority of stops. The revised Code will also emphasise that where officers are not using their powers properly they will be subject to formal performance or disciplinary proceedings”
The attached document shows the changes together with a brief explanation of the reason for each.
Should you have any queries, please contact either John DeSousa or Brian Roberts on 020 7035 4848. Police Integrity and Powers Unit