Terrorism Act 2000
The Terrorism Act 2000 (‘the Act’), enacted one year before the horrific events of 9th September 2001 at The World Trade Centre in New York, was designed to increase the powers of the Home Secretary and the police in the effort to combat terrorism.
Tim Thompson of Kangs Solicitors briefly comments upon the situation.
Strategy
The Government observes the effect of its strategy, in part, by collating and examining statistics regarding such activities as:
- the use of ‘stop and search’ legislation
- terrorism arrests
- pre-charge detention periods under section 41of the Act (‘Pre-Charge Detention’)
- prosecutions and convictions for terrorism
- the use of control orders and terrorist prevention and investigation measures.
The Statistics
Every quarter the Home Office releases a statistical report entitled ‘Operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000’ from which it can be seen that in the year ending 30th September 2017, of the 400 arrests for terrorism-related offences:
- 115 (29%) resulted in a charge, of which 97 (84%) were charged with terrorism-related offences
- 213 (53%) were released without charge
- 60 (15%) persons were released on bail pending further investigation
- 11 (3%) faced alternative action
- 1 case was pending at the time of data provision
Pre-Charge Detention
The Police have extended powers of detention providing them extra time to investigate and gather potential evidence.
The detention can be for a specified period, currently set at a maximum of 14 days, as compared to the maximum 4 days under standard arrest powers.
In 2017 there were the highest number of detentions since 2007.
How Can We Assist?
An arrest for a suspected terrorism offence does not necessarily mean that a charge will follow.
In such event professional advice should be sought immediately.
Our experienced team of solicitors is able to:
- provide immediate robust representation at the Police Station
- provide the necessary support throughout any investigation
- advise generally according to whatever allegations are made.
Who To Contact
Should you or someone you know have any questions regarding this article, our lawyers detailed below will be happy to assist and provide you with some answers:
Sukhdip Randhawa
srandhawa@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 |07989 521 210 (24hr Emergency Number)
Helen Holder
hholder@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
Amandeep Murria
amurria@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0161 618 1098 | 0121 449 9888
