Response to Government’s announcement of greater powers for police to use stop and search to tackle violent crime

Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, College of Policing CEO, said:

“Any move that aids a swifter response to serious violence and knife crime is a welcome one.

“Reverting certain authorisation levels back to those set out in legislation is something I have supported for some time.

“The legitimacy of section 60 rests on the public knowing it is being used to protect them. It is important the police engage with the communities to ensure use of this power doesn’t become counterproductive in the longer term.

“We will work to ensure officers are supported to make the right decisions to protect the public.”