I put this on my personal JE, but I'm not sure if many people have seen it, so thought it relevant to post here.

The Security Service MI5 and MI6

The Security Service MI5 and MI6*
These agents have no power of arrest and you do not have to speak with them.

Special Branch and The Police
Arrests and searches are carried out by constables. All police officers are constables and can arrest any person they suspect may have been involved in a crime.

What to do if you are approached by the security and intelligence services

If you have not been arrested

1. Do not panic. Do not run or be rude.

2. Ask if you are being arrested. If not ask if you are free to leave.

3. Inform the officer you are happy to co-operate with them but only through your solicitor.

4. Request the officers Name, Rank and telephone number -

5. Provide them with your solicitors name and telephone number.

If you have been arrested

1. You should give your name, DOB and address to police. Do not answer
questions beyond your name, DOB and address without your lawyer because
even comments that do not have any legal significance can be used to
'profile the Party'. Please be aware, the police are trained to be
'nice', some may even claim they are supportive of your cause! This is
to get you to speak.

2. Contact McCormacks Solicitors immediately and ask to speak to Tayab
Ali on 020 7791 2000 for further immediate advice. If McCormacks
are not available use the duty solicitor. Legal advice can only be withheld
for a maximum of 48 hours. So be patient. ALWAYS CONTACT A LAWYER.

3. Make sure your family are aware of what to do if you are
detained or 'disappear'. It is a good idea that a member of your family knows
the details of your solicitor and a contact of the shabab so that they
can inform them in case of an emergency.

4. if we come across any case where a shab has been arrested or
detained, PLEASE offer support to the family and visit them. They
are not under any obligation to speak to police informally and really
should avoid doing so, as the police can behave irrationally in this tence
time.

Below you can see in details how to deal with searches under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Terrorism Act - Section 44: Police Searches Your rights DURING SECTION 44 SEARCHES

* The police can only give you a pat down, remove outer clothes
(eg jacket, hat), search your bags and have you empty your pockets
* You do not have to give your name and address
* You do not have to explain why you are there
* You are not allowed to flee the search, but you are not required
to be actively compliant. You are allowed to 'go limp' as passive
resistance during the search if you wish not to comply
* There is no permission to collect DNA data during the search
* You do not have to comply with any attempt to photograph or
record you * Women cannot be touched by male police during these searches
* Make notes about the officers searching you - name, number and
police force * Note the time and the events preceding the search
* Note the specific wording used by the police to explain their
authority to search you
* Ask the police for the reason that they are searching you.
Specifically, are they searching for terrorists or are they simply trying to deter, delay or inconvenience you?

AFTER SECTION 44 SEARCHES
* Hold on to the Search Record or any other documentation the
police give you (or note if you don't receive one).
* Make brief notes about the search while you still remember all
the details
* Do not write anything down on the day that you don't want
disclosed to the police. Police may search you again and be able to
read anything that you have written down