PSNI Public Consultation

Policing Policy &
Strategy Division
Northern Ireland Office
Policing Policy & Strategy
Division
Block A, Level 4,
Castle Buildings
Belfast BT4 3SG
Telephone 028 90528375
Facsimile 028 90520063

Policing Powers & Custody Branch

Northern Ireland Office
policepowers@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk
http://www.nio.gov.uk/

8 January 2010

Dear Sir / Madam,

PUBLIC CONSULTATION - DRAFT POLICE & CRIMINAL EVIDENCE (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1989 (CODES OF PRACTICE) (TEMPORARY MODIFICATION TO CODE A) ORDER 2010

This letter is to inform you of the commencement of an 8 weeks public consultation process on the draft Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (Codes of Practice) (Temporary Modification to Code A) Order 2010.

2. PACE Code of Practice A governs the statutory powers for police officers to search a person or vehicle without first making an arrest. The draft Order will modify Code A to make it possible for police officers using mobile hand held technology to record electronically the details of a search as required under Article 5 of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.

3. In practice the modifications to Code A will enable an officer to issue a receipt to persons who have been searched, advising how they can obtain a full copy of the search form at a police station at a later date should they so wish. The modifications do not change the current recording requirements under Article 5 or the powers which police officers have under current statute to carry out a stop and search.

4. The draft Order can be downloaded from the current consultation link of the Northern Ireland Office website at www.nio.gov.uk. Alternatively, copies can be obtained on request, by mailto:e-mailingpolicepowers@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk. or telephoning the above contact number.

5. Any comments on the draft Order should be sent to the above address or forwarded by e-mail to policepowers@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk by no later than 5 March 2010.

Policing Powers & Custody Branch
Northern Ireland Office

NIO Public Consultation Web Page