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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Stop and search

8 replies

IslaMann · 28/09/2013 00:30

Anyone know the legal minimum age a child can be stopped and searched in the street without parental permission?

OP posts:
VerySmallSqueak · 28/09/2013 00:37

I'm not legally qualified,but as far as I know there is no legal minimum.

What's happened? Hope everything is ok.

Original poster
IslaMann · 28/09/2013 00:47

Oh he's fine. Bit chuffed actually, it increases his street cred. He's 16, (17 on sun) and had a joint night out for his birthday with another friend. Was stopped by police his way home who said they'd had reports of a man in early 20s dealing drugs nearby. He had neither drugs nor large sums of money on him, and is entirely innocent. I'm totally happy that the police are doing the right thing, am just concerned re his age. He's been brought up to respect the police so had no issue with being stopped. I've just suddenly wondered about him being legally a minor and whether that has an impact on whether it is legal to stop and search a minor without parental consent or knowledge.

OP posts:
VerySmallSqueak · 28/09/2013 00:56

My memory of being stop and searched at about that age (poss a bit younger) is dim and distant,but I think it is legal. I think there are rules on how far they can search in public though - can't ask for clothing to be removed other than outerwear,and that sort of thing.And I think they have to have reasonable grounds for doing the stop and search - I suppose a young man being reported as dealing drugs nearby would qualify. But the laws may have changed - as they have a habit of doing,so hopefully someone a bit more clued up will turn up.

Glad everyone is ok.

VerySmallSqueak · 28/09/2013 09:10

Bumping for someone who may be more knowledgeable.

OP if you are worried, I think he should have been given a record of the search or you could request one.

There will be no personal record of this against his name though ( so don't worry about that.)

You could even nip into the local cop shop and ask what the ins and outs are - I'm sure someone would be glad to let you know answers so honest questions to put your mind at rest.

SilverApples · 28/09/2013 09:14

It happened to DS when he was 16, the police were polite and professional, but he had no proof of age on him and looks and speaks as if he were older than he is.

flow4 · 28/09/2013 09:23

Yes, it's legal. Police have powers to search anyone, even children, if they have reason to suspect they may be carrying drugs or weapons. There is some controversy over their use of these powers with younger children. There are rules/limits to those powers.

Summary of rules and rights here .

BBC news story about S&S of a 9 year old here .

If they then make an arrest, a young person aged 16 or younger must have a parent or other 'responsible adult' with them when interviewed.

TigOldBitties · 28/09/2013 20:19

It's apparently legal for my 14 year old to be searched so I think it is at 16.

This happens all the time to my DSs since being mid teens plus. The joys of being a black male.

I think once they're arrested and under 18 they have to contact a parent or a guardian.

TigOldBitties · 28/09/2013 20:19

Sorry didn't read Flows post Blush

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