When can police request that I remove my face covering?
Section 16 of the Criminal Investigation (Identifying People) Act 2002 allows for an officer to request a person's personal details and subsequently request to see a person's face, if the officer reasonably suspects:
the person has committed, is committing or is about to commit an offence;
or the person may be able to assist in the investigation of an offence or suspected offence.
In a practical sense, officers will be able to require the adjustment or removal of a face covering whether the request is made in connection with a serious or minor offence as well as where a person is given a summons or infringement for a minor traffic offence such as speeding.
This information is also available in the following languages: Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Malay, Punjabi, Swahili, Turkish, Urdu ( ).