Threads / Police Reform Bill / Stop and search authorised professional practice (APP)
Open Consultation Published 27 Apr 2026 College of Policing ↗ View on GOV.UK

Stop and search authorised professional practice (APP)

The College of Policing is seeking views on updated guidance that will help police officers across the country conduct stop and searches.

Opened 13 Apr 2026
Closed 6 Jul 2026
▤ Verbatim text from source document

The College of Policing invites views on updated authorised professional practice (APP) for stop and search in England and Wales. 

The updated APP is child-centred and addresses disproportionality affecting children, young people and other vulnerable groups. It strengthens safeguarding requirements and places greater emphasis on the quality of the encounter itself, not just whether a search takes place, but how it is conducted. 

To have your say, read the consultation document and complete the online questionnaire.