National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What must police do under S18 PACE when searching after an arrest?

1. Only search for weapons

2. Request permission from the suspect for the search

3. Provide a written plan for gaining entry

4. Conduct the search without any documentation

The correct answer is: Provide a written plan for gaining entry

Under Section 18 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), police officers are obligated to conduct searches following an arrest in a manner that is both systematic and justified. This includes the requirement to have a clear, documented plan for entering and searching premises where they believe evidence related to the offense might be found. The correct answer highlights the importance of procedural integrity in police operations, particularly in safeguarding the rights of the individual being searched and ensuring that evidence is properly handled according to legal standards. Without such documentation, there could be grounds for questioning the legality of the search and any potential evidence obtained, making it critical that a plan is in place and followed. In contrast, limiting the search to only weapons would not fulfill the requirements of the law as officers must also search for evidence related to the suspected crime. Requesting permission from the suspect is not required under S18 PACE; rather, the police have the authority to search as part of their lawful duties post-arrest. Finally, conducting the search without any documentation fails to meet legal standards and would likely compromise the validity of any evidence found.