Police in a UK city have taken precautionary measures tonight due to concerns of potential unrest by implementing special powers. Authorities have issued a Section 60 order for Tunstall in Stoke-on-Trent following reports of possible violence in the area. The order covers specific streets and will be enforced until 11 pm today.
Under this measure, law enforcement officers are granted the authority to conduct stop-and-search actions on individuals suspected of involvement in violent or weapon-related offenses without requiring specific grounds for suspicion. Additionally, officers can mandate suspects to remove any face coverings or masks if deemed necessary.
A significant police presence was observed in the Hollywall lane vicinity of Tunstall earlier today. A spokesperson from Staffordshire Police explained that the Section 60 powers allow for searches targeting offensive weapons without the need for prior suspicion, authorized under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
It was emphasized that the order does not entail indiscriminate stops, as officers will adhere to standard procedures during stop and search operations. This includes providing explanations for the stop, detailing the object being searched for, citing the relevant legislation, recording the interaction via body-worn cameras, and offering a receipt to the individual being stopped.