CJA Super Complaint

Super-complaint: Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and the independent community scrutiny of stop and search

I welcome the publication of the report on the Criminal Justice Alliance’s super-complaint into Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and the independent community scrutiny of stop and search.

Humberside Police recognises that the use of this power is highly controversial, and will only use it in exceptional circumstances when associated action is required to keep the public safe. The power was last used by the Force in 2021 and has only been authorised in relation to two community incidents in the last seven years.

To tackle the important issues and recommendations highlighted in the report we will review our training, briefing and debriefing arrangements, and communication strategies in relation to both the authorising and the conducting of section 60 searches, to see how these can be further improved. We will review our stop and search effectiveness in relation to the safeguarding of children and seek to identify opportunities to minimise potential harm. We will also work with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to review our scrutiny arrangements, seeking to enhance their effectiveness in relation to this specific power. This work will be concluded by June 2024.

David Marshall
Deputy Chief Constable