Skip to Content

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.

Disclaimer: Solicitors.com is not a firm of solicitors. Content on this site is not legal advice and should not replace consultation with a regulated solicitor. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, no content is guaranteed to be completely accurate. Using this site does not establish a client relationship.

Feedback: Is there anything incorrect or missing on this page? Amendments may receive accreditation—email us.

Section 60 Notices: Emergency Stop-and-Search Powers Explained.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Guide to a Prenuptial agreements.

A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is an agreement set up by a couple prior to marriage, the prenup will detail how finances work whilst married and in the event t..

Motoring Offences | Drink Driving.

Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours

Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' laws to defeat knife crime...

Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.

The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...

Education Law Solicitors

Education Law Solicitors. Education solicitors will provide legal advice on all aspects relating to children with Special Educational Needs, problems with schoo..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Neighbour Disputes | Trees and Hedges.

Neighbour Disputes can escalate to affect your life and enjoyment of your property, if handled in the wrong way they can cause tension and in some cases argumen..

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top