If a senior officer (Assistant Chief Constable or above) believes people may be carrying weapons or causing serious violence in a particular area, temporary powers may be authorised under section 60 (S60) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Where a S60 has been granted, police officers have the power to stop and search people for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, without the having reasonable grounds. They may require the removal of certain items of clothing.
Under the Home Office’s Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme, we will:
- ensure that section 60 stop and search is only used where it is deemed necessary – and making this clear to the public
- in anticipation of serious violence, the authorising officer must reasonably believe that an incident involving serious violence will take place Limit the duration of initial authorisations to no more than 15 hours (down from 24)
- where practical, give advance notice to local communities that there will be a section 60 authorisation.
- report on it afterwards so the public is aware of the purpose and success of the operation.