PACE A Practical Guide to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Providing practical guidance on what remains the single most important statutory basis for police duties and powers in England and Wales - the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 and its Codes of Practice - this is an essential reference source which the busy police officer or legal practitioner cannot afford to be without.

The sixth edition has been fully updated and includes the latest versions of the Codes of Practice, including the amendments to Codes A, B, C, D, and H, and new Code I which came into force in 2023. It considers the impact of those revisions as well as new and important legislation; in particular, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which significantly affects the way in which bail decisions are made and implemented. The book is supplemented with updated worked case studies, many of which have been newly written for this edition, explaining how the Act and Codes apply in daily policing.

The book forms part of the Blackstone's Practical Policing Series. The series, aimed at all operational officers, consists of practical guides containing clear and detailed explanations of the relevant legislation and practice, accompanied by case studies, illustrative diagrams, and useful checklists.

Paul Ozin, Barrister, 23 Essex Street Chambers,Heather Norton, Resident Judge, Reading Crown Court

Paul Ozin is a Barrister at 23 Essex Street Chambers, specialising in criminal law and associated civil, regulatory, and disciplinary proceedings, including police law.


Heather Norton practised as a barrister for 23 years from 23 Essex Street and QEB Hollis Whiteman, where she specialized in criminal law and associated regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. She was appointed as a Circuit Judge in 2012 and is currently the Resident Judge at Reading Crown Court.

1. Powers to Stop and Search: Part I2. Powers to Stop and Search: Part II3. Arrest: Part III4. Detention: Part IV5. Treatment: Part V6. Identification: Part V, Code D7. Interviews: Part V, Codes C, E, and F8. The Detention and Treatment of Vulnerable Suspects9. Evidence: Part VIIIAppendices1. Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, as amended (PACE)2. Code A: PACE Code of Practice for the Exercise by Police Officers of Statutory Powers of Stop and Search; Police Officers and Police Staff of Requirements to Record Public Encounters3. Code B: PACE Code of Practice for Searches of Premises by Police Officers and the Seizure of Property Found by Police Officers on Persons or Premises4. Code C: PACE Code of Practice for the Detention, Treatment and Questioning of Persons by Police Officers5. Code D: PACE Code of Practice for the Identification of Persons by Police Officers6. Code E: PACE Code of Practice on Audio Recording Interviews with Suspects7. Code F: PACE Code of Practice on Visual Recording with Sound of Interviews with Suspects8. Code G: PACE Code of Practice for the Statutory Power of Arrest by Police Officers9. Code H: PACE Revised Code of Practice in connection with the Detention, Treatment and Questioning by Police Officers of Persons in Police Detention under Section 41 of, and Schedule 8 to, the Terrorism Act 2000