Criminal Law
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Section 60 Notices: Emergency Stop-and-Search Powers Explained.
Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 allows police to stop and search individuals without reasonable suspicion—but only under strict conditions.
A Section 60 notice empowers police officers to stop and search individuals in a designated area for a limited time, without needing reasonable suspicion. It’s an emergency measure used to prevent serious violence or respond to intelligence about weapons.
To issue a notice, a senior officer must:
- Define the area and duration (typically no more than 15 hours).
- Provide a justification based on credible intelligence.
- Publicise the notice where possible to inform the public.
Use and Controversy: Section 60 searches surged between 2017 and 2018, with London accounting for over 70% of all incidents. The Metropolitan Police cite gang violence prevention as a key driver, but critics argue the powers are used indiscriminately.
- Only 0.32% of Section 60 searches led to an arrest in 2018.
- Civil liberties groups warn of disproportionate targeting and erosion of trust.
- The Home Office has since relaxed restrictions, allowing wider use of Section 60 in response to knife crime and public disorder.
Balancing Safety and Rights: Supporters argue that Section 60 helps prevent violence and saves lives. Opponents say it’s a blunt tool that risks alienating communities. Long-term solutions may lie in community investment, youth services, and targeted policing, rather than relying solely on emergency powers.
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