Lambeth police have announced that almost the entire borough has been placed under a Section 60 order from 1pm today (Mon 4th September) through to 4am tomorrow, Tues 5th September.
The map tweeted shows almost all of Lambeth being included, but not Norwood.
A Section 60 authorisation has been declared across the Borough of Lambeth by Inspector Mkinsi. It will last from 13:00 today (4th September) until 04:00 tomorrow (5th September).
This authorises officers to search anyone in the area. pic.twitter.com/EvRcMd28k9
— Lambeth Police | Central South BCU (@LambethMPS) September 4, 2023
No specific reason has been given for the introduction of the section 60 order, although it’s most likely related to violent crime or potential gang activity.
UPDATE: The order may be in response to this shocking incident earlier today: Man in his 20s stabbed to death in broad daylight on Brixton’s Angell Town estate.
What is Section 60?
The Lancashire Constabulary has posted up a guide, which we’ve reproduced below:
Section 60 – ‘without suspicion searches’
Sometimes ordinary stop and search powers aren’t enough to keep communities safe as people can only be stopped and searched if the officer has reasonable grounds. A Section 60 allows police officers to stop and search people even if they don’t have suspicions about them.
If an officer of at least the rank of Inspector believes that:
- incidents involving serious violence MAY take place in a specified area,
- or that people WILL be carrying dangerous instruments or offensive weapons,
- or an incident involving serious violence has taken place in the specified area, and a dangerous instrument or offensive weapon used in the incident is being carried by a person in the area.
AND the authorising officer, believes that is in necessary, they may authorise a section 60 to be put in place.
What is a Section 60?
A Section 60 is a power given by an Inspector or above which allows police officers to stop and search anyone in a specific area without needing to have reasonable grounds.
It is granted under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
Why are Section 60s put in place?
A Section 60 is put in place if an Inspector or above believes that people will be:
- carrying weapons or
- causing serious violence or
- incidents involving serious violence MAY take place.
in a particular area.
It’s there to keep people safe. When a Section 60 is in place anyone can be stopped and searched by the police.
What limitations are placed around a Section 60?
Time: A Section 60 can be put in place for up to 24 hours and may then be extended after this for up to another 24 hours.
Place: When a Section 60 is agreed it is limited to a specific area or group of streets.
What does a Section 60 mean?
It means that police officers can search anyone within a specific area and time frame. The police officer doesn’t need to have reasonable grounds to stop and search you, but they must explain the reasons you are being stopped, including that there is a Section 60 in place.
How can I find out if a Section 60 has worked?
When a Section 60 is in place we will keep the community informed of its purpose and outcomes by providing information on the police website and on local social media, for example local Facebook pages.
How can I help?
A Section 60 is a proactive power used by the police to keep people safe and we urge communities to work with us and report any information. You can contact us directly, or if you prefer to remain anonymous phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online here.
Let’s hear your opinion
What do you think of the mass implementation of Section 60 orders? Have your say on the forum, or leave a message below.