Stay calm and be helpful. The police are there to protect members of the public and the local communities but if you argue or become aggressive, you could end up getting yourself in trouble.

They should treat you with respect, but you should also treat them with respect. They can’t stop you just because of your age, race or the way you dress. You have to remember that sometimes walking round with high levels of equipment espcially late a night can draw attention and create suspicion amongst the police.

A police officer or uniformed community support officer can stop you and ask what you are doing. A police officer, but not a community support officer, can also search you if he or she has a good reason to think that you are carrying drugs, a weapon, stolen property or something which can be used to commit a crime.

Usually it will be however to see if you are okay and what you are up to. This is usually rare but as long as you follow the guides outlined you should be on your way in no time at all.

If you are stopped, the police officer has to fill out a form saying why they stopped you. They will give you a copy. If you feel you have not been treated fairly, or with respect, you can complain. A leaflet on your rights if stopped by the police can be obtained at your local police station.