News

2 July 2007
SCOTTISH POLICE FORCES GRANTED STOP AND SEARCH POWERS BY HOME OFFICE

All eight police forces across Scotland have applied for and been granted stop and search powers under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The legislation allows police officers to stop and search any person or any vehicle and its passengers as well as items carried by a person or in a vehicle.

The powers are given by the Home Secretary and are applied for on a force by force basis when the security threat level is considered to be at a sufficiently high level.

The President of the Association of Scottish Police Officersin Scotland, Colin McKerracher, (Chief Constable – Grampian Police) said: “These powers are sought as part of our co-ordinated and targeted approach to the increased level of threat following incidents over recent days.

“I would stress that these powers will only be used as part of a proportionate response to any suspicion or information received. They exist not only to protect our officers but as part of our commitment to keeping communities safe.”

Mr McKerracher added: “It is stressed to every officer on patrol that searches must be carried out sensitively and with due regard to community concerns.

“The response of the public in Scotland has been fantastic and I hope that they will understand why these extra powers are being put into place in a situation such as this. Public vigilance remains important and anything suspicious should be reported to the police.”