More Terrorist-Related Stops/Searches in London
Newly-released data highlights the past five months as having involved more instances of terrorism-related stops and searches than in the 12 months preceding. Undertaken by the Metropolitan Police, a staggering 32,395 such actions occurred from April to August 2007 inclusive. By way of contrast, 25,374 such instances took place between April 2006 and April 2007. In a geographic context, says the Met, slightly over 20 per cent of those stopped and searched, or stopped and accounted, were of Asian origin – a ratio nearly double that of the number of Asians in London versus the capital’s total population.
The number of stops climbed dramatically after the events of June 29th, when two car bombs were found in central London.
The Met was pressurised into releasing the new figures after London’s police authority highlighted the mounting concern among the general public regarding the use of anti-terrorism powers. As legislated in the Terrorism Act 2000, and detailed in Section 44, police are allowed to halt people and carry out searches, even when there is no direct suspicion of a crime. However, these interventions have to occur in an area deemed a possible target for terrorists – such as London.
Chiefs within the police force have highlighted the need for such checks to be in place, given their prime usefulness in preventing potential terrorist action. However, among critics, the sentiment is that they are racially divisive, and, furthermore, have, to date, not been shown as effective.
A review of the stop and search procedure was undertaken by the force, in the wake of a damning report issued by the Met. In this, it emphasised the danger of alienating London’s Muslim community.
Additionally, the UK’s chief officer within counter-terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman, recently questioned the purpose of the stops and searches – explaining how, firstly, it was improbable that they would reveal a terrorist carrying out acts of terror and, secondly, given the reaction felt within many.
Despite this, the Met’s Commander Rod Jarman, defended the procedure, as the new figures were released. "Terrorists live, work and blend in to our communities", he emphasised. "Terrorists can come from any background and live anywhere. They are as likely to be seen in quiet suburban roads as they are in inner-city areas. To complement our covert methods of fighting terrorism we have a more visible presence to deter and disrupt terrorist activity.
"In order to achieve this we need the support of the public. We ask for co-operation and patience while we carry out these important duties to help keep London safe."
In-depth calculations made, using the new data as a basis, showed the lower chance of people of Asian origin being stopped in two London Boroughs – Tower Hamlets and Newham. Ironically enough, these two are the most populated in terms of Asian residents.
In terms of gender, in excess of 28,000 of the 32,395 instances involved men. Age-wise, 18,420 of them involved individuals between the ages of 21 and 40.
As far as the Met’s John Roberts is concerned, the release of this data marks a victory for people living in London. "We've been fighting for two years to have these published...And now that we have been able to see them it raises new questions., he said.
"In places where community cohesion is rock-bottom, such as Waltham Forest because of the Forest Gate terrorism raids, we now have figures which will help us have that debate over the use of these powers and whether officers are using them properly.”
Source – Security International’s Current Affairs Reporter
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