From tomorrow, police will only be able to stop and search people without reasonable suspicion where it’s considered necessary to prevent terrorism.
Powers reviewed
Previously, section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allowed officers to search individuals even if they didn’t have reasonable suspicion that the person was involved in terrorist activity.
But the coalition government looked again at this power as part of a wide ranging review of counter-terror laws.
That review concluded that some form of stop and search without reasonable suspicion was needed, but that it should only take place in exceptional circumstances.
Protection of Freedoms Bill
The stop and search powers contained within today’s order are included in the Protection of Freedoms Bill and will be scrutinised as that progresses through parliament.