Section 60 Authorisations

As set out in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, a Section 60 authorisation is a power given to police officers to stop and search people and vehicles for dangerous instruments or offensive weapons without suspicion.

West Midlands Police allows Inspectors to authorise dynamic S.60s for 24 hours, but as soon as practicable the authorisation must be reviewed by an Assistant Chief Constable (ACC).

The authorising officer must have a reasonable belief that:

• Serious violence may occur in the area, and the authorisation will help prevent it
• Serious violence has occurred in the area, and the authorisation will help find a weapon used in the incident
• People are carrying weapons in the area without good reason

Section 60 power applies to a specific geography for a specific amount of time, during which police officers can stop and search people without needing to evidence reasonable cause or suspicion.

It is good practice to publish information on the use of the Section 60 powers. 

Please see below for all Section 60 authorisations issued in the West Midlands: