Police issue notice giving officers the legal authority to search anyone

Glamorgan Star news 17/01/2022

1 minute read

South Wales Police have issued a Section 60 Notice providing officers with the legal authority to stop and search anyone within a specific area of Cardiff until 4.20pm today, 18th January.

Under section 60 of the Criminal Justice Act, a Section 60 notice can be issued for a specified time and area, during which time police officers do not need a reason to stop and search any individual.

This is an emergency measure and unlike the existing stop and search laws which have guidelines that an officer must follow ‘reasonable suspicion’.

A spokesperson for SW Police stated: “This decision has been taken after information has been provided following incidents in the locality where violence has been threatened or used.

“Section 60 is aimed at preventing serious violence, to find dangerous instruments or to apprehend persons carrying weapons. There is a real concern that this matter could escalate.

“There will be an ongoing police presence in the area to provide reassurance to our communities.”

The notice will lapse at 4.20pm today with the powers limited only to the area identified on the attached map.

The notice authorises any Constable in uniform, within that locality to exercise the powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994:

to stop and search any pedestrian, or anything carried by them for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without good reason, or
to stop and search any vehicle, its driver and any passenger, for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.

Anyone with any information with regard to those seeking violence and carrying weapons are asked to contact South Wales Police using the following methods, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 08090 555111.