Police powers of arrest: your rights

    To arrest you the police need reasonable grounds to suspect you’re involved in a crime for which your arrest is necessary.

    The police have powers to arrest you anywhere and at any time, including on the street, at home or at work.

    The police arrest procedure

    If you’re arrested the police must:

    • identify themselves as the police
    • tell you that you’re being arrested
    • tell you what crime they think you’ve committed
    • explain why it’s necessary to arrest you
    • explain to you that you’re not free to leave

    If you’re under 17 the police should only arrest you at school if it’s unavoidable, and they must inform your headteacher.

    The police must also contact your parents, guardian or carer as soon as possible after your arrival at the police station.

    Police powers to use reasonable force

    If you try to escape or become violent, the police can use ‘reasonable force’, eg holding you down so you can’t run off.

    You can also be handcuffed.

    The police have powers to search you when you’re arrested.