Priti Patel Eases Stop-and-Search Rules to Tackle Knife Crime
Section 60 Powers Loosened
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced a major shake-up in police stop-and-search tactics to fight knife crime. In a letter to police forces on Monday, Patel revealed the easing of restrictions on Section 60 powers—allowing officers to search people without reasonable suspicion in areas where serious violence is expected.
These new rules scrap limits introduced by Theresa May in 2014 and dramatically expand police powers.
Longer, Broader Stop-and-Search
- Section 60 can now be authorised for 24 hours, up from 15.
- The period can be extended to 48 hours, previously capped at 39.
- Authorisation rank lowered to inspector, making it easier and quicker to activate.
- Superintendents can now extend the powers.
- Officers need only believe serious violence may happen, instead of the previous “will” happen threshold.
- The requirement to notify communities in advance of stop-and-search authorisations has been removed.
Controversy Over Crime-Fighting Move
The use of stop-and-search has soared by around 85% since 2019, with 50,000 weapons seized. But critics warn these changes risk worsening racial profiling. Campaigners argue black and minority ethnic communities have already been disproportionately targeted, and relaxing rules could deepen discrimination.
“The devastating impact of knife crime on families who have lost their loved one is unbearable. No one should have to endure the pain and suffering of the victims of these appalling crimes,” Patel said. “We have a responsibility to do everything to prevent future tragedies.”
Operation Sceptre Kicks Off
The announcement coincides with the launch of Operation Sceptre—a week of intense police action across England and Wales targeting knife crime. The government has also launched a consultation aiming to simplify the process for officers to search known knife carriers.
Patel declared her full backing for the police, saying: “I stand wholeheartedly behind the police so they can seize more weapons, arrest more suspects, and save more lives.”
