Police in Northern Ireland to suspend “Stop and Search” Powers

Thursday 08 July 10

Police in Northern Ireland will be forced to halt their use of controversial "stop-and-search" powers on Thursday. The decision follows a European court ruling that Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 which permitted random stop and search was illegal.

The previous legislation had allowed the police to stop and search anyone at random without the necessary cause for suspicion that the individual was involved in some illegal activity. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that such powers represent a potential threat to individulals human rights. 

Last year, the PSNI tripled its use of the UK-wide legislation arguing it was necessary following an upsurge in dissident republican activity.

In 2008/9, the police used the anti-terror legislation almost 10,000 times, compared to 3,234 incidents in 2007/8, according to Policing Board figures.

Sinn Fein has welcomed suspension of the powers. Policing Board member Alex Maskey MLA said the use of Section 44 "caused clear concern amongst a wide range of sectors".

Ulster Unionist Policing Board member Basil McCrea MLA said police would now have to rely on other legislation which allows officers to search those they have a reasonable suspicion are involved in illegal activity.

A PSNI spokesperson said that stop and search "remains an essential tool in countering the terrorist threat".

"We use stop and search powers differently in Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK both in terms of the proximity of the threat that we face and degree of targeted use that we make of them," the spokesperson said.

"We will continue to utilise available legislation in protection of the public and will do so in cooperation and consultation with the community we serve."