RECENT USES OF STOP & SEARCH POWERS
Birmingham - February 16-17, 2022
Officers were granted stop and search powers for a large part of the city centre following two incidents involving knives, including the stabbing of a teenager on Steelhouse Lane.
Explaining the reasons, police said: “Two incidents in the past 12 hours have highlighted the routine carrying of knives within the city centre where a knife has been presented or used against our public”.
Dudley - February 3-4, 2022
Part of Gornal, including estates off the A459 Kent Street, were put under Section 60 last month following concerns about “serious violence”. Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir said at the time: “I recognise that a Section 60 is an intrusive police power however I believe a failure of the police to act will have even more harmful consequences with further serious violence taking place.”
Walsall - January 27, 2022
A large area of Walsall, including Palfrey, Caldmore and The Chuckery, was brought under Section 60 following a terrifying broad daylight shooting at the time when kids were leaving school, sparking terror in the area.
Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell said: “There is now further intelligence supporting the two previous applications of the threat of serious violence continuing within the area.”
Birmingham - January 12, 2022
The city centre was again put under the special stop-andsearch powers due to “escalating tensions”.
Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker said: “If not proactively managed through visible policing patrols and a Section 60 authority it is highly likely further incidents of violence will occur involving young people and weapons, specifically knives or bladed articles.”
West Bromwich - July 21, 2021
Police acted swiftly following a spate of terrifying attacks in the town centre last summer, “including knife robberies.” Twenty people were searched while the powers were in place.
Sutton Coldfield - September 29-October 2, 2021
The powers were introduced in the town centre following a series of incidents, including “the use of knives and hammers”.
Birmingham East - July 16/17, 2021
The Section 60 powers covered Bordesley Green and Alum Rock following “a number of incidents of violence, including firearms offences”.
West Bromwich - October 8-9, 2020
Section 60 powers were brought in for the town centre amid fears around serious violence. ACC Meir said: “It’s noted that there are concerns that there will be continued violence and possession of weapons if positive action is not taken. We anticipate that serious violence is likely in the geographical area subject of this application.”
Birmingham - August 7-8, 2020
Stop and searches were carried out across Ladywood, Perry Barr and Handsworth following an “increase in firearms discharges and violent incidents” and as it was believed there was “a potential that violence may occur across the areas”.
Birmingham - January 22-23, 2020
Police officers searched 30 people in Sparkbrook but said “no items were recovered from any person”.
Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said she considered it “necessary given the violence that has occurred and the likelihood of it reoccurring”.
West Bromwich - October 8-9, 2020
Section 60 powers were brought in for the town centre amid fears around serious violence.
Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir said: “It’s noted that there are concerns that there will be continued violence and possession of weapons if positive action is not taken. We anticipate that serious violence is likely in the geographical area subject of this application.”