Use of Section 44 has now effectively ended – Maskey

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Alex Maskey MLA has welcomed the fact that the uses of Section 44 stop & search powers has now effectively ended.

Speaking this evening Mr Maskey said;

“Existing legislation must be used to the highest standard of human rights compliance and in a way that instils confidence within the community and doesn’t alienate them from policing.”

Mr Maskey continued;

“Obviously the PSNI have to work to ensure the safety of everyone within the community and to challenge any threat, regardless of the where it comes from. In saying that, they must do so in a way that is transparent and gains the confidence of citizens.

The high proportion of the use of Section 44 powers caused clear concern amongst a wider range of sectors.

I welcome the fact that this power has now been effectively brought to an end and that we can work to ensure the PSNI carries out their responsibilities in an open and transparent way.”