War on Terror = War on Civil Liberties

South Wales cops have asked the Home Office for invasive powers to stop and search people in Cardiff following terror attacks in London and Glasgow Airport. In a move which echoes politicians’ calls to extend internment without charge, the police here are using the terror attacks as an excuse to extend their powers and further strip away civil liberties. Section 44 of the Terrorism Act gives the plod unprecedented stop and search powers and has already been misused to hassle demonstrators and others.

Speaking at the beginning of July Divisional Commander for Cardiff, Chief Superintendent Josh Jones said: ‘Communities defeat terrorism and I ask anyone who is stopped by a police officer over the next few days to help us by engaging positively and passing on any information that they may have.’

However, Assistant Chief Constable Giles York also said: ‘We have seen several well intentioned calls to the police and I am very encouraged at the vigilance being shown by the public of South Wales, particularly as there is no specific threat to the area.’

Does anyone else see a bit of a contradiction here? They’ve asked for powers to stop and search people because of the threat of terrorism, while at the same time admitting there is no threat to people in Cardiff. This is opportunist nonsense. The cops are using people’s very real fear of terrorism as an excuse to get more powers for themselves.

Know Your Stop and Search Rights:

If you are stopped and searched under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 you have specific and clear rights that the cops will ignore unless you make it clear you know them. For example, they may try and get you to give them your personal details, and they may attempt to photograph you. Here are some pointers provided by the civil rights group Liberty

• The police can only give you a pat down, remove outer clothes (eg - jacket, hat) search your bags, and have you empty your pockets
• You do not have to give your name or address.
• You do not have to explain why you are there.
• You are not allowed to flee the search, but you are not required to be actively compliant. You are allowed to "go limp" as passive resistance during the search if you do not wish to comply.
• There is no permission to collect DNA data during the search.
• You do not have to comply with any attempt to photograph or record you (although you cannot wear a mask).
• Women can not be touched by male police during these searches.
• Make notes about the officers searching you - name, number, and police force.
Note the time and the events preceding the search.
• Note the specific wording used by the police to explain their authority to search you.
• Ask police for the reason that they are searching you. Specifically, are they searching for terrorists or are they simply trying to deter, delay, or inconvenience you?

For more info on your rights visit:  http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk
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