Stop and Search ‘Section 60’ pilot: Equality Impact Assessments

The Home Office has published the Stop and Search ‘Section 60’ pilot: Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs). The EIAs gives the context, objectives and adverse impact mitigation of the relaxation of the Section 60 Stop and Search Powers, compared to current powers.

The purpose of the EIA is to assess the potential impact of proposed changes to S60 powers on people with protected characteristics. These proposed changes entail reducing the required level of certainty that an incident will occur from ‘will take place’ to ‘may take place’ and, lowering the rank of an authorising officer from superintendent or above to ‘senior officer’. These changes would bring the policy in line with the pre-Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme (BUSSS) legislation.

The EIA states that if s60 powers were relaxed, there is an increased risk of magnifying any residual levels of discrimination in the use of this power. However, it also states that there is no evidence to indicate whether disparity rates would increase or decrease.   

The EIA can be read in full here.

Source: Gov.uk

UK Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy

The UK Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy has been published by the Home Office. The strategy intends to harness the economic and social benefits of unmanned aircraft, by reducing the risk posed by malicious or illegal use. In the document, it is stated that reducing the risk posed by high-harm illegal use of drone will be achieved by:

1. developing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving risks posed by the malicious and illegal use of drones

2. taking a ‘full spectrum’ approach to deter, detect and disrupt the misuse of drones

3. building strong relationships with industry to ensure their products meet the highest security standards

4. empowering the police and other operational responders through access to counter‑drone capabilities and effective legislation, training and guidance.

The strategy can be read in full here.

Source: Gov.uk

2019 UK annual report on modern slavery

The Home Office has published the 2019 UK annual report on modern slavery. The report report provides an overview of modern slavery in the UK and explains how the UK has responded to this threat over the last 12 months.

The report can be read in full here.

Source: Gov.uk

The Accreditation of Forensic Service Providers (Amendment) Regulations 2019

A Statutory Instrument called The Accreditation of Forensic Service Providers (Amendment) Regulations 2019 was laid before Parliament on 29 October 2019. The Instrument amends The Accreditation of Forensic Service Providers Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1276).

The regulations concern results produced in laboratories at Aldermaston, Fort Halstead and Porton Down are regarded as equally reliable as results of laboratory activity carried out under the provisions of the 2018 Regulations.

The Instrument comes into force 20 November 2019.

The Statutory Instrument can be read in full here. The Explanatory Memorandum can be read here.

Source: Gov.uk

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Reviews of Sentencing) (Amendment) Order 2019

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Reviews of Sentencing) (Amendment) Order 2019 was laid before Parliament on 29 October 2019. The Instrument will amend the Reviews of Sentencing Order to include the further fourteen serious sexual and violent offences.

The Order extends to England and Wales. It will come into force on 19 November 2019.

The Instrument can be read in full here. The Explanatory Memorandum can be read here.

Source: Gov.uk

Home Office Announces Review into Serious and Organised Crime

The Home Office has announced a formal review into serious and organised crime. The review will be led by Sir Craig Mackey QPM, former deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency (NCA), which will be the lead law enforcement agency.

The review will consider what powers, capabilities, governance and funding is needed to tackle the current threat posed by serious and organised crime, and will make recommendations based upon the findings. The recommendations will be presented the the Minister for Security in Spring 2020.

Source: Gov.uk

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (Amendment) Order 2019

A Statutory Instrument has been made to amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Instrument will amend Paragraph 1(ca) of Part 2 of Schedule 2 to reduce the range of synthetic cannabinoids controlled.

The Statutory Instrument will come into force 15 November 2019. It can be read in full here.

Source: Gov.uk

UK and US sign landmark data access agreement

The Home Office has announced that a UK-US Bilateral Data Access Agreement has been signed. It is hoped that the agreement will speed up investigations and prosecutions by enabling law enforcement to go to tech companies directly to access data, removing the need to go through governments.

The agreement, signed by the US Secretary General and the UK Home Secretary, requires the requests for data to be made under an authorisation in accordance with the relevant country’s legislation.

Source: Gov.uk

Firearms security handbook 2019

The Home Office has published the Firearms security handbook 2019 developed by the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Working Group (FELWG), the National Police Chiefs Council in England, Wales and Scotland, and the British Shooting Sports Council.

The handbook includes:

• guidance on storing and transporting firearms safely
• information on construction standards for gun cabinets, armoury rooms, etc
• illustrations of construction points in a gun cabinet

Whilst the handbook is predominately for members of the public, it also provides guidance for the police, museums and galleries that display firearms, and people who display firearms for business purposes.

Source: Gov.uk

Home Secretary Announces New Measure to Tackle County Lines

The Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced a number of new measures aimed at tackling county lines drugs gangs. The measures will be supported by a £20 million investment by the Home Office.

The measures include:

• Expanding the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre
• Increased disruption on rail networks
• Investing in technology to disrupt county lines operations
• Working with money service bureaus to tackle illicit finances
• Increasing support for county lines victims

Source: Gov.uk