Statement

Stop and Search Powers

Posted on: February 15, 2010

‘ Stop and search powers is a powerful tool in helping to prevent and disrupt crime and detect offenders, whether it is street robbery, gun and knife crime, drug dealing or terrorism.  The public must understand that these powers are designed to combat all of these offences especially the heightened threat which currently exists from dissident republicans.  The threat level here has been described by the Chief Constable as severe and these powers are a vital tactic in any counter terrorism strategy.

Police officers must possess the appropriate powers to prevent terrorist attacks in order to protect the entire community.  The increase in the number of stop and searches or questioning must be offset against the intensification of dissident republicans to murder members of the security forces, which was all to evident following the attempted murder of Peader Heffron in Co. Antrim.  There must be a visible presence to deter and prevent terrorist activity.

However, we are clear that the use of these powers must be proportionate and there is a clear balancing exercise to be done, which is why there is clear guidance about when and how these powers should be exercised and I am sure that these powers will come under scrutiny by the Policing Board.  The PSNI have already expressed a willingness to engage on this issue, which should be welcomed’.