How to apply to become a British Citizen
British Citizen application| Process.
If you are looking to apply to become a British Citizen, we recommend that you contact a firm of solicitors that have exp..link
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.
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkDigital Crime ‘the new front line’.
The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...link
Finding a valuable item.
Finding a valuable item.
Every now and then someone finds a stash of coins or jewellery that is 100's of years old, may have been lost, buried as part of a ce..link
What is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkWilful Neglect.
Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..link
Finders Keepers | Finders Law
Finders Keepers | Finders Law
Ever since the phrase came into being in the early nineteenth century, documented as no halfers-findee, lossee seekee, which sou..link
Injunctions.
How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...link
Stop and Search Laws to be changed?
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkGuide 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..link
Social Media hampering police investigations.
Its time social media worked better with the police...link
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
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
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link