Code of Practice (NI) for the use of stop and search powers under the Terrorism Act 2000: launch of consultation
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland launches consultation on the statutory guidance to officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland exercising stop and search powers under sections 43, 43A and 47A of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, has today launched a consultation on the draft Code of Practice (Northern Ireland) for the use of stop and search powers contained in the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Code of Practice sets out statutory guidance to officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland exercising stop and search powers under sections 43, 43A and 47A of the Terrorism Act 2000, as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Bill.
The Secretary of State said:
The Protection of Freedoms Bill amends stop and search powers contained within the Terrorism Act 2000. These changes ensure that counter terrorism stop and search powers are used proportionately, where necessary and in accordance with the law.
A draft Code of Practice for the exercise of these stop and search powers is open to consultation to everyone who wishes to comment. The aim of the Code is to promote the fundamental principles to be observed by the PSNI and to preserve the effectiveness of, and public confidence in, the use of counter terrorism stop and search powers
Notes for editors
The documents are available on the NIO website. Alternative formats of the documents are available on request. Responses to and queries on the consultation can be made in a number of ways.
In writing:
Code of Practice Consultation
Security and Legacy Group
Northern Ireland Office
Stormont House
Stormont Estate
BELFAST
BT4 3SH
- Email: secretary@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
- Telephone: (028) 90 527032
All media enquiries should be directed to the NIO Press Office on 028 90 527856. The consultation runs for 8 weeks and will end on Sunday 1 April 2012.