Counter-Terrorism stop and search powers called into question

75/06
11 December 2006

Pressure by the Metropolitan Police Authority for the police to rethink the use of special stop and search powers is having an effect.

Toby Harris, MPA member with special responsibilities for counter-terrorism, said:

"The very clear message from Londoners through the MPA counter-terrorism hearings has been that there is real unease over the disproportionate and inconsistent use of this power.

"It is time to review the use of Section 44 to assess critically its benefits and weigh these against the damage caused to confidence and trust in our communities."

His call followed a candid reflection by Andy Hayman, Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner in charge of counter-terrorism nationally, who acknowledged at the final hearing of ‘Counter Terrorism: The London Debate’, the Metropolitan Police Authority's programme of community engagement to counter terrorism, that the benefit of police counter-terrorism stop and search powers under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 could be outweighed by the damage done to community relations.

Mr Hayman said:

“It’s a power which is well intended, it’s there to try and prevent, deter and disrupt terrorist activity. But we have to question the way we use a power that causes so much pain to the community we serve but results in so few arrests or charges. Is it worth it? It is very unlikely that a terrorist is going to be carrying bomb-making equipment around with them in the street. So I am not sure what purpose it serves, especially as it upsets so many people, with some sections of our community feeling unfairly targeted. It seems a big price to pay.”

William Nye, director of counter-terrorism and intelligence at the Home Office, told the hearing the government constantly assessed whether the counter-terrorism measures struck the right balance between liberty, equality and security.

"We need to listen to what people are saying about this power and listen also to the police on how useful it is and the impact it has on our communities."

The final report on 'Counter-Terrorism: The London Debate' will be tabled in public at the full Metropolitan Police Authority meeting on 22 February 2007. The Commissioner, SIr Ian Blair, will respond to it then on behalf of the police. The report's findings will draw upon the views of over a thousand diverse Londoners who have been engaged through this consultative process. Its concrete recommendations will provide a mandate for change for the better in the way the Met, other agencies and communities themselves together tackle the terrorist threat we face.

Notes to editors

1. Further information about the MPA’s programme of events can be found at:
www.mpa.gov.uk/issues/counterterrorism/default.htm

2. Confidential anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

3. Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

4. Communities Together helpline: 0800 028 2390

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

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