What are the stated purposes of stop and search?

• A. Clarify identity
• B. Obtain evidence
• C. Protect police officers
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Stop and search is a tool used for multiple purposes, not just one. It is stated to help clarify a person’s identity, to obtain evidence, and to protect police officers during encounters. Each of these aims addresses a different aspect of why the power exists: verifying who someone is to prevent impersonation or misidentification, enabling the collection of potentially illegal items or weapons, and reducing risk to officers by uncovering threats before interactions escalate. Because these aims are all recognized parts of how stop and search should operate, the option that includes all of them best captures its intended use. In practice, a single stop can serve more than one purpose at once, though lawful use must always be based on applicable rules and be proportionate.