|
|
|
| Press Releases |
| Police Authority Calls for Better Information around Use of Terrorism Stop and Searches |
|
|
|
Thursday, 14 January, 2010
West Yorkshire Police Authority is urging other police authorities to follow their example by obtaining more information about stop and searches carried out under terrorism laws in their area.
This week, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the police right under the Terrorism Act 2000 to stop and search people without grounds for suspicion was illegal.
Although over 800 such stop and searches took place in West Yorkshire between January and October 2009, they were carried out by officers from the British Transport Police. The majority took place in Leeds train station.
In November, Fraser Sampson the Chief Executive of West Yorkshire Police Authority, highlighted this fact to delegates at the Association of Police Authorities Annual Conference and encouraged other police authorities to get the full picture about the use of this sensitive and significant policing activity on behalf of the public.
Commenting on the news about the judgement from the Court of Human Rights, Fraser said “The ability for a police officer to stop and search someone without the need for reasonable suspicion clearly impacts upon that person’s rights to liberty and privacy.
“Until the outcome of the appeal from the Government is known, police authorities need to know how it is being used in their areas by other forces and to what effect within our communities. This will enable communities to fully hold to account those who police them for the manner in which they do so.
“In addition to the close liaison we have with our Chief Constable, our Force and the Counter-Terrorism Unit, we have worked with other forces, such as the British Transport Police, over the last 18 months to ensure that the Authority is fully sighted on the use of Section 44 powers and that the data showing its use and impact is readily and meaningfully available to members.
“We can assure communities that West Yorkshire Police Authority members are satisfied that the powers are being used proportionately and appropriately, irrespective of the court's judgment.” |
|
|
|
