Can Police Conduct Searches at Public Events?

What “Search at a Public Event” Means

At concerts, festivals, protests, sports matches, carnivals and other large public events, police powers to stop and search individuals are sometimes used to prevent crime and maintain public safety. These powers are grounded in statute and guided by codes of practice, and they vary depending on the circumstances and legal authorisation. This article explains the legal framework, typical scenarios in which police can search people at public events, and the rights and safeguards that apply.

1. Core Stop and Search Powers

Reasonable Grounds Searches

The fundamental police power to stop and search a person anywhere - including at public events - is provided under section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and related legislation. Under this power, an officer can stop and search you if they have reasonable grounds to suspect you are carrying:

• stolen goods,
• illegal drugs,
• offensive weapons,
• items connected with specified offences.

Police must tell you what power they are using, what they expect to find, and the reasons for the search.

“Reasonable grounds” is an objective standard based on specific, articulable facts known to the officer at the time of the stop.

2. Searches Without Reasonable Suspicion: Section 60 Powers

Authorised Area Searches

At large public gatherings like protests, carnivals, or sporting events where there is concern about violence or offensive weapons, police may use section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to authorise searches without reasonable suspicion.

A senior officer (typically inspector level or above) must:

• reasonably believe serious violence may occur in a defined area,
• authorise the use of section 60 powers for that area and a limited time (usually 24 hours, extendible).

Once authorised, officers can stop and search anyone in that area for weapons or other dangerous items without having individual suspicion.

Example: Ahead of a large music festival or high‑profile football match, police may authorise a section 60 order over a zone where public disorder is anticipated.

Public Order Act Search Powers

The Public Order Act 2023 introduced similar “no‑suspicion” powers tailored to protest and public order contexts. Under section 11, a senior officer can authorise stop and search if they reasonably believe specified protest‑related offences may occur in an area.

Recent use of these powers at demonstrations has raised concerns about civil liberties, with some rights groups arguing police may over‑use them even when violence does not materialise.

3. What Is a “Public Place” for Search Powers?

For the purposes of lawful stop and search under PACE and similar powers, a public event will usually be a public place because:

• it is an area to which the public are permitted access (even if ticketed),
• events like concerts or protests are open to all members of the public.

Search powers generally cannot be used in a private dwelling without further legal authority.

Ticketed events on private land - such as a field or stadium - can still be considered “public places” if entry is open to ticket‑holders and regulated accordingly. In such contexts, police may lawfully exercise stop and search powers when the statutory criteria are met.

4. How Searches Are Conducted at Events

Before the Search

An officer planning to stop and search an individual at an event must:

• identify themselves and provide their rank and station;
• explain the legal power being used (e.g., section 1 PACE, section 60 CJPOA);
• state the object of the search (e.g., weapons, drugs).

Consent should be sought: police generally explain the search and ask for cooperation before proceeding.

During the Search

A search may involve:

• a pat‑down of clothing,
• examining possessions, bags or jackets,
• in some cases moving the person to a secure location for a more thorough search if there is resistance or safety concerns.

Reasonable force may be used only if necessary, proportionate and lawful.

5. Limits and Safeguards

Scope of Search

A search must be no more intrusive than necessary to locate the suspected item. If the officer suspects a specific object in a specific pocket, the search should be limited to that area.

Record‑Keeping and Transparency

Police forces are required to record stop and search encounters and make data available for public scrutiny, helping ensure accountability and community confidence.

Proportionate Use of Powers

The use of “no‑suspicion” powers (e.g., section 60 or Public Order Act powers) is controversial precisely because it suspends the usual requirement for reasonable suspicion. These powers must be justified by a clear and reasonable belief about forthcoming violence or protest‑related offence risks.

Courts or oversight bodies may scrutinise use of these powers if challenged as excessive, arbitrary or discriminatory.

6. Rights of Individuals Being Searched

When stopped and searched at a public event, you have rights:

• to be informed of the officer's name and station;
• to be told the legal power used and the object of the search;
• to receive a physical receipt or documentation of the stop and search.

If you believe a search was conducted unlawfully - for example without lawful justification or outside a valid authorised area - you may be able to challenge it later or make a formal complaint to the police force concerned.

Conclusion

Police in England and Wales can conduct searches at public events when the relevant legal criteria are met. The main powers include:

• Reasonable grounds searches under section 1 PACE when an officer suspects a person is carrying prohibited items;
• No‑suspicion searches under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 in anticipation of violence within a defined area;
• Similar public order search authorisations under the Public Order Act 2023 for protest‑related activities;

While these powers support public safety at large gatherings, they are regulated by statute and codes of practice that require justification, transparency and respect for individual rights. Understanding them helps the public know when such searches are lawful, what to expect at events, and what rights they retain if searched.