A police officer can not just stop you and demand to search your purse or wallet

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A lady in a Bolt car narrates how she was stopped by some Ghanaian police officers who requested to search her bag.

One officer allowed her to record the situation, while another was allegedly aggressive and threatened to handcuff her and send her to the police station if she didn’t consent to the bag search.

The reaction of the Police showed that they did not even know the area where they had mounted the police search and they did not also know the nearest police station.

If the police allow you to record while they search and they don’t find anything, you have evidence to press charges. You can actually win especially for harassment.

Whether or not a police officer can stop you and demand to search your purse depends on the circumstances. In general, police officers need probable cause to believe that you are committing a crime or that you have evidence of a crime in your possession in order to search you without your consent.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, police officers can search you without a warrant if you are under arrest. They can also search you if they have a reasonable suspicion that you are armed and dangerous.

If a police officer stops you and asks to search your purse, you have the right to refuse. However, if you refuse, the police officer may be able to get a warrant to search your purse. If you are arrested, the police can search your purse as part of a routine search incident to arrest.

If you are stopped by a police officer and asked to search your purse, it is important to know your rights. You should politely decline the search and ask the police officer to explain why they are asking to search you. If the police officer does not have a valid reason to search you, you should not consent to the search.

A lady in a Bolt car narrates how she was stopped by some Ghanaian police officers who requested to search her bag.

One officer allowed her to record the situation, while another was allegedly aggressive and threatened to handcuff her and send her to the police station if she… pic.twitter.com/uHAyeM31wh

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) September 5, 2023

Here are some additional things to keep in mind if you are stopped by a police officer:

• You do not have to answer any questions the police officer asks you.
• You do not have to consent to a search.
• You have the right to remain silent.
• You have the right to an attorney.

If you are arrested, you should ask to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.

It is possible for a police officer to plant an illegal item in your purse when searching. However, it is illegal for a police officer to do so. If a police officer plants an illegal item in your purse, you can challenge the evidence in court.

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself if you believe that a police officer has planted an illegal item in your purse:

• Ask the police officer to have a witness present during the search.
• Ask the police officer to record the search.
• Take pictures of your purse before and after the search.
• Do not consent to the search.
• Ask for a lawyer.
• If you believe that a police officer has planted an illegal item in your purse, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your interests.

Here are some of the legal consequences of a police officer planting an illegal item in your purse:

• The evidence may be suppressed in court.
• You may be able to sue the police officer for violating your rights.
• The police officer may be disciplined or fired.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense, and protect your rights.

Per the Criminal Procedure Act (Act 30), Section 93 – (summarized) A police officer who has REASONABLE cause to believe that an article has been stolen or is concealed for the purpose of crime can without a warrant apprehend, seize, and search any such person, package, or article.

It is important to know the law and your rights to take the right decisions in such circumstances. If you have reason to believe they may drop any illegal stuff in your wallet, record the search and follow the tips provided above.