The context within which policing is carried out in many areas is one of deteriorating relations between the police and the community. Police stop and search powers have contributed to this climate, with friction especially evident between police officers and young people. One of the features of stop and search powers is that they are difficult to supervise and monitor. Further, the manner in which some police officers exercise their stop and search powers creates tension. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act specifies safeguards designed to prevent the misuse of police stop and search powers and to ensure proper execution of road checks and arrests. The author concludes, however, that the act has not achieved an appropriate balance between citizen rights and police powers and that the intended safeguards may not be effective. 14 notes