Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Terror watchdog in search warning

The UK's terror law watchdog says people are being stopped and searched to racially balance official figures.
In his annual report, Lord Carlile QC warned of "poor or unnecessary" use of the special Section 44 powers.
He said there was ample anecdotal evidence of officers searching people not connected to terrorism.
Lord Carlile also warned there was little or no evidence that blanket use of Section 44 searches had the potential to prevent a terror attack.
Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 allows police to stop and search someone without suspicion that an offence has occurred.
The powers can only be used in specific areas on the orders of a police chief, with later approval by the home secretary.
Supporters say such powers can make it harder for extremists to carry out reconnaissance in public areas, such as near important tourist attractions.
The Metropolitan Police used them 170,000 times during 2008, according to figures previously obtained by BBC London.
But in the strongest criticisms Lord Carlile has ever made of the use of the powers, the peer said that none of the stops in London or elsewhere had led to a conviction.

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