Preventing acid attacks
The Home Office has proposed extending stop and search powers to prevent acid attacks – giving police the powers they need to keep our families,
communities and country safe.
Key facts:
While corrosive substances, drones and laser pointers each have legitimate uses, they are increasingly being misused to cause significant harm.
·
The proposals – published for consultation at the weekend – will extend powers, enabling police to search anyone they suspect is carrying a corrosive substance, drones
or laser pointers in a public place without good reason.
·
It follows the introduction of the Offensive Weapons Bill earlier this year, which will create a new offence of possessing a corrosive substance in a public place.
· The government has also commissioned scientists at the government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to develop a portable kit so that police can test suspected
corrosive substances on the street.
Why this matters:
We will always seek to give police the powers they need to crack down on violent crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
Comments