Section 60 stop and search powers authorised in Shirley

Officers in the Shirley area of Southampton have been given extra stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

The emergency power, which will run from 2pm until 8pm this evening (Friday 23 June) have been implemented following information relating to youth violence in the area.

Section 60 powers can be implemented in areas where either serious violence has occurred or police believe serious violence is about to occur, and gives officers the power to stop and search anyone in a designated location, without the restrictions of normal stop and search.

The powers will be in place around the Upper Shirley High School area and surrounding streets.

Officers will be carrying out patrols across the local area and will be able to stop and search anyone while the powers are in use.

Southampton District Commander, Superintendent Phil Lamb said: “These are emergency powers and the threshold to implement them is very high, however we are using them to keep our communities safe.

“This is not a long term solution to violent disorder, but this allows us to use all the powers at our disposal to respond to immediate concerns raised by the community.

“I know that this may cause some concern given a recent Section 60 order was in place earlier this week in relation to a serious assault – but we have put these powers in place for valid reasons.

“We know some people think telling you about the Section 60 inhibits our ability to catch those responsible, however it is just as important that we prevent incidents of serious violence occurring.

“We will deal with those offenders, but we also want to prevent them from committing offences in the first place.

“If you are in the area and have any concerns, you can speak to any of our officers who will be on patrol throughout this this afternoon and into this evening.

“Thank you in anticipating for your co-operation.”