Priti Patel Loosens Stop and Search Rules to Battle Knife Crime
Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced major changes to police stop and search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act. The move, revealed in a letter to police forces on Monday, slashes restrictions introduced by Theresa May in 2014, sparking fresh debate over racial bias and civil liberties.
Stop and Search Powers Supercharged
- Section 60 allows police to search without reasonable suspicion in areas where serious violence is expected.
- The time police can authorise stop and search has been stretched from 15 to 24 hours, and extensions can now last up to 48 hours (up from 39).
- The rank needed to greenlight the powers drops from senior officers to inspectors; superintendents can now extend the orders.
- Police no longer have to prove violence “will” happen—just that it “may.”
- Authorisations won’t have to be publicly announced beforehand, reducing community notice.
Knife Crime Crackdown Under Operation Sceptre
Patel hailed the move as “essential” in fighting knife crime, which has left thousands of families shattered. She pointed to an 85% rise in stop and searches since 2019, resulting in over 50,000 weapons seized.
“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 in our power to prevent future tragedies.”
“I stand wholeheartedly behind the police to drive down knife crime by making it easier for officers to seize weapons, arrest suspects, and save lives.”
The announcement coincides with the launch of Operation Sceptre, a week of ramped-up police action across England and Wales targeting knife offenders. The government has also opened a consultation on allowing officers to more easily search known knife carriers.
Controversy Over Expanded Powers
Campaigners warn easing stop and search rules risks deepening discrimination against Black and minority ethnic communities, who are already disproportionately targeted.
Despite the backlash, Patel is determined to back police in the fight against knife crime with these tougher measures.
