A few helpful tips

Being Stopped
If you are stopped by the police then by law you must give them your correct name and address. After this you don’t legally have to answer anymore questions that is totally up-to you. They still have the right to question you whether you are the accused or just a witness. However telling the police wrong information is never a good idea. You could be charged with obstructing a police officer from carrying out his/her duties.
If the police do stop you then you are entitled to know their names, numbers, which police station they are from and the reason they have stopped you.

Groups and Public Places
It is within a police officers power to ask you and your friends to move on if you are hanging around the street. If this happens to you then don’t give cheek to the police and most of all don’t argue with them. Simply do what they ask, because if you don’t then you might be charged with causing a Breach of the Peace.

What is a Breach of the Peace?
A Breach of the Peace covers many different things. If you and your friends behave in a way that causes a disturbance to locals or gives them reason to believe a disturbance will occur this is a Breach of the Peace. This includes swearing, shouting, being in large numbers sometimes even the type of football scarf you are wearing can cause a breach of the peace. Even though it is easy to blame the police at the time they are only doing their job, remember they have to respond to every call. If you feel that you have been unfairly treated by the police then try to remember the police officer’s number (on their shoulder), and write to the Chief Constable of the police force concerned. Keep a copy of your letter. Your complaint will be investigated.

Searches
In the case that the police wish to search you then you are entitled to know the reason why. But there isn’t anything you can do if they believe you are carrying a weapon or illicit drugs then it is within their power to search you. However, only your outer clothing may be searched. If a police officer wishes to search below your outer clothing it must be carried out by an officer of the same sex and out of public view.
Intimate body searches can only be done if you have been arrested and only by someone who is medically qualified.

The police can search your house:
•If they have a warrant/court permission
•If they have reason to believe they might find someone who has committed an arrestable offence
•To look for evidence in connection with this
•To catch an escaped prisoner
•To save life
•To prevent serious property damage
•To prevent disturbance

If you think the police might be conducting the search unlawfully go along with the search anyway, then later seek advice about whether or not they were acting according to the law. It is not a crime to refuse a search but it will probably end up with you being arrested and taken to the police station. The police have to keep a record of the search complete with details; you can ask the police station for a copy of this record. The police have the power to detain a person for the purpose of the search, but once it's conducted the police must take further action (i.e. arrest) or release the person.