Under police powers, which substance are officers authorized to stop and search individuals suspected of carrying?

• A. Corrosive substances
• B. Firearms
• C. Knives
• D. Drugs

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that police stop and search powers include a specific focus on corrosive substances carried in public places to prevent harm, such as acid attacks. Officers can stop and search someone if they have reasonable grounds to suspect the person is carrying a corrosive substance with potential to be used unlawfully. This targeted power exists because corrosive substances can cause serious injury, so there are dedicated measures to detect and deter their possession in public.

Corrosive substances are distinguished from other items like firearms or knives because those are weapons and are typically addressed under general stop and search powers aimed at weapons. Drugs are also substances, but the stop and search framework for corrosives specifically addresses the public-safety risk of carrying corrosives in everyday settings, which is why this category is singled out in many policing instructions and guidance.