Police authorise extra stop-and-search powers in Flintshire village following anti-social behaviour incidents

Police have enacted extra stop-and-search powers in a Flintshire village following several incidents of anti-social behaviour.

A Section 60 order is in force in an area of Leeswood for 24 hours, up to 8.45 pm on Friday.

The move, described by the police as a ‘proactive measure to keep people safe,’ comes as a response to recent incidents.

In a statement on social media, a force spokesperson explained the rationale behind the decision:

“To combat recent incidents of anti-social behaviour, an order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 will be in force for 24 hours from 20:45 hours on Thursday, 23rd November 2023, in the area of Leeswood as defined in the attached map.”

“A Section 60 allows police officers to stop and search people even if they don’t have suspicions about them. When a Section 60 is in place, anyone can be stopped and searched by the police,” the statement continued.

“This is a proactive power used by the police to keep people safe. We urge communities to work with us and report any information. You can contact us via our live webchat or on 101. Alternatively, you can call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Area Covered by the Section 60 Authority:

Section 60 – ‘without suspicion searches’

Sometimes ordinary stop and search powers aren’t enough to keep communities safe as people can only be stopped and searched if the officer has reasonable grounds.

A Section 60 allows police officers to stop and search people even if they don’t have suspicions about them.

If an officer of at least the rank of Inspector believes that incidents involving serious violence MAY take place in a specified area, or that people WILL be carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons, or an incident involving serious violence has taken place in the specified area, and a dangerous instrument or offensive weapon used in the incident is being carried by a person in the area.

AND the authorising officer believes that it is necessary, they may authorise a Section 60 to be put in place.

What is a Section 60?

A Section 60 is a power given by an Inspector or higher-ranking officer which allows police officers to stop and search anyone in a specific area without needing to have reasonable grounds.

Why are Section 60s put in place?

A Section 60 is put in place if an Inspector or higher-ranking officer believes that people will be carrying weapons or causing serious violence, or incidents involving serious violence MAY take place in a particular area.

It is there to keep people safe. When a Section 60 is in place, anyone can be stopped and searched by the police.

What limitations are placed around a Section 60?

Time: A Section 60 can be put in place for up to 24 hours and may then be extended for up to another 24 hours.

Place: When a Section 60 is agreed upon, it is limited to a specific area or group of streets.

What does a Section 60 mean?

It means that police officers can search anyone within a specific area and time frame. The police officer doesn’t need to have reasonable grounds to stop and search you, but they must explain the reasons you are being stopped, including that there is a Section 60 in place.