ABSTRACT
Section 81 of the 1994 Act inserts a new s. 13A into the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 which confers new powers of stop and search upon the police in order to prevent acts of terrorism. This power may only be initiated by a police officer of at least the rank of assistant chief constable (outside London) or a commander (the equivalent rank within London). Where it appears to such an officer that it is expedient to do so in order to prevent acts of terrorism, he may give an authorisation in writing for a renewable period not exceeding 28 days for uniformed police officers within his area to do the following:
(1) Stop any vehicle (which includes ships and aircraft) or any pedestrian. (2) Search any vehicle and its occupants, or anything carried by a pedestrian, for any
articles which could be used in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism.
These stop and search powers may be exercised even if the police officer does not have any grounds for suspecting that articles falling under the above category are being carried (s. 81(4)).
