Part V

Counter-terrorist Powers

Power to stop and search

Authorisations
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1
An authorisation under this subsection authorises any constable in uniform to stop a vehicle in an area or at a place specified in the authorisation and to search—
a
the vehicle;
b
the driver of the vehicle;
c
a passenger in the vehicle;
d
anything in or on the vehicle or carried by the driver or a passenger.
2
An authorisation under this subsection authorises any constable in uniform to stop a pedestrian in an area or at a place specified in the authorisation and to search—
a
the pedestrian;
b
anything carried by him.
3
An authorisation under subsection (1) or (2) may be given only if the person giving it considers it expedient for the prevention of acts of terrorism.
4
An authorisation may be given—
a
where the specified area or place is the whole or part of a police area outside Northern Ireland other than one mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c), by a police officer for the area who is of at least the rank of assistant chief constable;
b
where the specified area or place is the whole or part of the metropolitan police district, by a police officer for the district who is of at least the rank of commander of the metropolitan police;
c
where the specified area or place is the whole or part of the City of London, by a police officer for the City who is of at least the rank of commander in the City of London police force;
d
where the specified area or place is the whole or part of Northern Ireland, by a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary who is of at least the rank of assistant chief constable.
5
If an authorisation is given orally, the person giving it shall confirm it in writing as soon as is reasonably practicable.