Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Stop and search powers used against 99 people in Newry and Mourne in 3 months

Published: 23 February, 2009

District Policing Partnership member Brendan Curran has said that the substantial increase in the use of stop and search anti-terrorism powers by the PSNI was unacceptable. These comments come after a PSNI report to Policing Board members revealed a massive 245% increase in the use of Section 44 stop and search powers of which of 99 persons in Newry and Mourne were searched.

Cllr Curran said:

"The revelation that the use of Section 44 stop and search powers has been used against 99 people in Newry and Mourne in the final 3 months of 2008 is shocking and unacceptable."

"The excessive use of Section 44 powers in England have already drawn significant criticism from politicians and community leaders there including Lord Carlise in his report on the implementation of these and other special powers. Where he said that the inappropriate use of the stop and search powers has damaged the 'credibility' of the police and undermined community relations.

"The fact that statistics for the PSNI in the north show a significant increase in the use of s.44 authorisations - some 2122 across the 8 districts underpins the necessity for a rigorous monitoring system which includes the requirement for PSNI to substantiate the reason for use of these powers and whether it was necessary and proportionate

"We need to ensure that the same misuse of these powers as we saw in the past does not take a foothold within the PSNI. I do not accept the explanations given by the PSNI for the massive increase in the use of these powers here.

"The Chief Constable has been asked for further clarification from the PSNI on the guidelines being used and the adherence to them by officers. The unnecessary use of stop and search powers directly impacts on the ability of the PSNI to demonstrate to the community that they can police in an effective and accountable fashion." ENDS