Book Description

The review considered six key counter-terrorism and security powers: (1) the detention of terrorist suspects before charge; (2) section 44 stop and search powers and the use of terrorism legislation in relation to photography; (3) the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) by local authorities and access to communications data more generally; (4) measures to deal with organisations that promote hatred or violence; (5) extending the use of 'Deportation with Assurances' in a manner that is consistent with our legal and human rights obligations; (6) control orders (including alternatives). The review concludes that some counter-terrorism and security powers are neither proportionate nor necessary. The key findings are: (i) a return to 14 days as the standard maximum pre-charge detention period; (ii) an end to the indiscriminate use of stop and search powers under section 44; (iii) the end to the use of the most intrusive RIPA powers by local authorities to investigate low level offences and applications by authorities to use RIPA techniques need a magistrate's approval; (iv) a commitment to rationalise the legal bases by which communications data can be acquired; (v) a stronger effort to deport foreign nationals involved in terrorist activities in this country fully respecting our human rights obligations; (vi) the end of control orders and their replacement with a fairer and more focused regime. Additional resources will be provided to the police and security agencies to ensure the new measures are effective not only in protecting the public but in facilitating prosecution.