Support From The Police

The police can give advice on crime prevention and personal safety, as well as sources of help and advice if you are a victim of crime.

In some circumstances, if you are a victim of a serious crime such as rape, or if you are a family member of a murder victim, you may be supported by a Family Liaison Officer. This person will be specially trained to act as a link between the police carrying out the investigation into the crime and the family, and will help you to work with all the different agencies involved in the investigation.

Complaints About The Police

If you have a complaint about a police officer, a police force or a police organisation (such as the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency) then you should have a look at the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland website. As well as describing how to make a complaint, it explains how complaints are dealt with.

Stop & Search

Anyone can be stopped and searched by the police, even if they don’t have a search warrant, if they suspect that you are in possession

• of drugs, 
• stolen property,
• offensive weapons and some other specific things.

For a full list of police powers and the powers of stop, search and seizure see the Citizens Advice Bureau - Advice Guide website. There's lots more information on the site on how searches should be conducted, and stopping and searching vehicles.

Moving On

The police have the power to move you on if they believe that you

• are obstructing the lawful passage of any other person in any public places or
• if you (either individually or as part of a group) are conducting yourself in a riotous or disorderly manner anywhere, to the alarm, annoyance or disturbance of the public. 

If you have been asked to move on, you are entitled to ask for a reason and should expect to receive one but if you refuse to move you are likely to be charged with an offence.