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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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Section 60 Notices: Emergency Stop-and-Search Powers Explained.
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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.

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