Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 - Search Powers: code of practice - consultation
This consultation seeks your views on a revised Code of Practice for constables in Scotland exercising search powers conferred by Sections 289, 303C and 303Z21 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The revised Code aims to provide a clear, consistent, and legally robust framework for the use of these powers.
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Annex 1
Code of Practice on the Exercise by Constables in Scotland of Search Powers conferred by Sections 289, 303C and 303Z21 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 – revised version – March 2026
Contents
Chapter 1: General
Chapter 2: General requirements for search powers under sections 289, 303C and 303Z21 of POCA
Chapter 3: Search of a person under section 289(3), 303C(6) or 303Z21(7) of POCA
Chapter 4: Search of premises (including vehicles located on those premises) under section 289(1), 303C(1) or 303Z21(1) of POCA
Chapter 5: Search of vehicles under section 289(1D), 303C(5) or 303Z21(6) of POCA
Chapter 6: Recording requirements
Annex A: Conduct of searches – additional considerations where a child or young person is involved
Annex B: Conduct of searches – additional considerations where a vulnerable adult is involved
Annex C : Conduct of searches of people - Establishing the sex of a person Guidance Notes
Contact
Email: poca@gov.scot