PACE Code A • Stop and search

GOWISELY police meaning

Stop and search — information the officer must give (PACE s2 / Code A). A straightforward operational memory aid for GOWISELY.

Short answer

Recited before any s1 PACE (or s23 Misuse of Drugs Act etc.) stop and search so the required information is given to the person searched. Failure to comply can render the search unlawful and evidence liable to exclusion.

GOWISELY
Stop and search — information the officer must give (PACE s2 / Code A)
GGrounds for the search
OObject and purpose of the search (what is being searched for)
WWarrant card (must be shown if the officer is not in uniform)
IIdentity of the officer (name)
SStation to which the officer is attached
EEntitlement to a copy of the search record
LLegal power being used for the search
YYou are detained for the purpose of a search

When officers use it

Recited before any s1 PACE (or s23 Misuse of Drugs Act etc.) stop and search so the required information is given to the person searched. Failure to comply can render the search unlawful and evidence liable to exclusion.

Practical point: use the mnemonic alongside current training, procedures and the live facts.

Why Section includes this

Section is a fast UK police reference app for officers and student officers: offences, points to prove, PACE powers and operational mnemonics in one offline place.

What does GOWISELY stand for?

G = Grounds for the search, O = Object and purpose of the search, W = Warrant card, I = Identity of the officer, S = Station to which the officer is attached, E = Entitlement to a copy of the search record, L = Legal power being used for the search, Y = You are detained for the purpose of a search.

SHACKS — Reasonable grounds for suspicion (stop and search) IDCOPPLAN — Arrest necessity criteria ('ID COP PLAN') — PACE s24 / Code G PLANL — Justifying use of force or interference with rights

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