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Q3 2005 |
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Ref:147
June 6, 2008
ACPO position on counter-terrorism legislation
“Over time, the ACPO position on counter-terrorism proposals put forward by the government has been set out on many occasions and is well known. Nevertheless, as discussion and debate goes on we continue to be asked our view. It may therefore be helpful to once again set out that professional perspective, representing those charged with the operational responsibility for countering terrorism.
“The government proposals are clearly designed to address the risk we have been alerting them to. Unsurprisingly the power, a novel departure by any standard, is bounded by significant new checks and balances which have recently been further strengthened. It is our view that the adjustments have not rendered the measure inoperable. As we have said on many occasions it is now for government and Parliament to resolve this issue and for the police service to operate within whatever limits are set.
“We stand by our advice to government that it is possible to foresee circumstances in the future under which the current 28 day limit will prove insufficient. The rationale behind this has been well rehearsed and rests on increasing volumes and complexity of evidence, sifting through intelligence and increasingly having to send investigators to other countries. Working in other countries takes time and a visit to one country frequently triggers the need to visit others. Closing down these opportunities could mean we fail to pick up a vital piece of evidence or gain intelligence which could allow us to stop an attack. Our investigations have a global reach.
“Discussion with those charged with leading and operating in this difficult area of work shows that they are well aware of the need to balance security and liberty and are fully supportive of any measures which help them to keep the public safe and bring criminals to justice. Those consulted represent the most senior officers nationally with a major role in countering terrorism in England and Wales.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48/49 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.
• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.
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