Under PACE 1984, section 32(1), when may a constable search an arrested person who was arrested at a place other than a police station?

Under PACE 1984, section 32(1), when may a constable search an arrested person who was arrested at a place other than a police station?

• A. If the constable has reasonable grounds to believe the arrested person may present a danger to himself or others
• B. If the arrested person is under 18
• C. If the arrested person requests a search
• D. Only after arrival at a police station

Answer: (A)

Under PACE 1984 section 32(1), the police can search an arrested person even if the arrest happened away from a police station, but only when there are reasonable grounds to believe the person may present a danger to themselves or to others. This is a safety-oriented power that allows a quick search at the place of arrest to uncover anything that could cause harm or be used to escape, rather than delaying the search until arrival at a station. The other options don’t establish a lawful basis for the search: age does not create the power, the arrestee’s request isn’t needed for the search to take place, and the search isn’t limited to after reaching the station.

Under PACE 1984 section 32(1), the police can search an arrested person even if the arrest happened away from a police station, but only when there are reasonable grounds to believe the person may present a danger to themselves or to others. This is a safety-oriented power that allows a quick search at the place of arrest to uncover anything that could cause harm or be used to escape, rather than delaying the search until arrival at a station. The other options don’t establish a lawful basis for the search: age does not create the power, the arrestee’s request isn’t needed for the search to take place, and the search isn’t limited to after reaching the station.