Stop and search remains in force, police chiefs told (update includes ACPO statement)
January 13, 2010
Police chiefs have been told that stop and search counter-terrorism tactics remain in force nationwide.
Yesterday, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that police use of Section 44 stop and search powers is unlawful.
The power has been widely criticised by amateur and professional photographers.
However, for now at least, there will be no change in the policy adopted by the nation’s police forces.
Chief Constable Craig Mackey, spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) which co-ordinates police policy in England and Wales, today told Amateur Photographer: ‘As a result of the government decision to appeal the ruling and following legal advice, the use of Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 remains in force in accordance with authorisations currently in place nationally.’
The ACPO statement added: ‘The use of stop and search powers under Section 43 and 44 of the Terrorism Act remain an important tactic in our counter-terrorism strategy.
‘The threat remains real and serious and stop and search can deter and disrupt terrorist activity and create a hostile environment for terrorists. Protecting the public remains our priority.’
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