Priti Patel Cracks Down on Knife Crime with Tougher Stop and Search Rules
Home Secretary Priti Patel has unleashed tougher stop and search powers to battle rising knife crime. In a bold move this Monday, she eased restrictions on Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act – allowing police to search people without reasonable suspicion in areas where serious violence is expected.
Stop and Search Powers Supercharged
- The maximum duration of Section 60 powers jumps from 15 to 24 hours – with extensions now allowed up to 48 hours, instead of 39.
- Authorisation can now be granted by officers as low-ranking as inspectors, down from senior officers.
- Superintendents can extend the search powers further.
- Officers only need to suspect serious violence “may” occur, not that it “will” happen.
- No longer required to publicly inform communities before going on patrol with Section 60.
These changes overturn limits introduced by Theresa May in 2014.
Patel Defends Move Amid Controversy
Patel said: “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 and we have a responsibility to them to do everything in our power to prevent future tragedies.”
She pointed out stop and search has surged 85% since 2019, helping police seize 50,000 weapons. “I stand wholeheartedly behind the police so they can seize more weapons, arrest more suspects and save more lives,” Patel added.
Knife Crime Crackdown Kicks Off With Operation Sceptre
The new powers come alongside Operation Sceptre – a week of “intensive action” by police across England and Wales targeting knife crime hotspots.
The government has also opened a consultation to make it easier to search known knife carriers, signalling more measures are on the way.
Critics Warn of Racial Discrimination Risks
Campaign groups fear these relaxed rules will hit black and minority ethnic communities hardest, worsening existing discrimination linked to stop and search.
The debate over balancing crime fighting and community rights is set to intensify as these changes take effect.
