WTF is going on?

[Skreecheeboy]

What is this all about? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_an d_west/7072882.stm
Surely it must be illegal to stop and search people for no apparent reason? How did they manage to pass that?

[Reverandfunk]

Hang on Gromit what about being stopped at the check in?

I was stopped when travelling to New York at Birmingham Airport. me and my partner at the time were taken behind a screen had our cases searched and we were both frisked down.

The same airport authorites went to everyone in the queue as they were waiting to check in and asked where they were travelling to, how long for etc etc.

So please tell me how that is different to what is being proposed.

[LoftyLottie]

Random checks have always taken place. For some unknown reason, I always get frisked!!!!

[LoftyLottie]

The proposed checks are not random, they will pull aside 'suspects' and I doubt whether I as a white caucasian would be selected.

[Reverandfunk]

My point exactly.

So could someone please tell me how what has gone on in airports for 25 odd years is different to what is proposed?

[LoftyLottie]

I answered that as the same time you asked the question Rev, in my above posting.

[Reverandfunk]

Lofty I am white caucasian and have been pulled.

Point is how is a random search at an airport different to a random search at a train station?

[LoftyLottie]

Rev, pulled for being a suspected terrorist Rev?

[Reverandfunk]

Ive been stopped in the queue at an airport whilst checking in, had my case searched and frisked.

probably not because I was dodgy or a suspect but as a deterent. I'd done nothing wrong, had a bit of a laugh with the security people and that was that.

Did i feel violated? of course not

[Gromit]

You were taken behind a screen in private
- The search is in public

You were stopped by security personnel
- Not a Police Officer

You were not told why you are being searched
- The search is under the prevention of terrorism act 2000

Every body goes through the barrier (and many searched)
- The search is random, arbitary and singles out one person

[Reverandfunk]

Behind a screen because they go through your luggage, no luggage they would frisk you where you stood

Security officer/Police officer - both in uniforms whats the difference

How do u know what was said to me when i was searched?

I was singled out in the check in queue, I didnt see anyone else get stopped


What was the big deal? Nothing.

[LoftyLottie]

As I said Rev, for some unknown reason I seem to always get frisked and sometimes my case in searched. This has been happening to me for years and years and it is completely 'random' searching. I was not challenged or told I was a suspect of anything at all, and I very much think that is what happened to you.

[Reverandfunk]

I used to always get pulled coming through customs as well which was random. I have no problem because I havent done anything wrong (usually lol)

When I was stopped checking in I was asked if I minded opening my suitcase, which they went through, asked where i was travelling to, for how long and frisked.

if this was at a train station minus the suitcase whats the issue?

I've been stopped loads of times at the football, a lot of the time before getting into the stadium and searched in the open.

Been stopped at concerts as well, frisked, bags looked into etc.

[Gromit]

I too have been searched several times. I have never been told why. Maybe they did tell you why, but they do not have to, unlike when you are stopped under the prevention of terrorism act. They must inform you for what reason they are searching you

I can tell the difference between a Police Officer and a Security Officer. The difference are too numberous to list here.

Also when I was searched I saw several other people searched as well. You must have been lucky.

[Reverandfunk]

Gromit the basic fact is that you get searched going about your business anyway so what is the difference?

Pop concerts, football matches, airports, in city centres at 2 in the morning.

So if they tell you what they are searching you for its okay and if they dont its not?

Fact is you get searched anyway, I dont care if I'm told or not, you comply and then carry on with your business.

[Gromit]

The difference is;

If you refuse to let your bag be search at a pop concert or football, you will be refuse admission.

If you were to refuse a search under the prevention of terrorism act, you can be arrested of obstructing the police.

I'm sure your answer will be, well don't refuse then. The point is, in a free country, you should if you are innocent of any crime, have your liberty curtailed in this way.

British Law and justice managed very well for hundreds of years, through two world wars, without measures that are in the POTA 2000.

[Gromit]

Should read:

I'm sure your answer will be, well don't refuse then. The point is, in a free country, you should not if you are innocent of any crime, have your liberty curtailed in this way.

[Reverandfunk]

How is your liberty being curtailed FFS

Its being searched not internment

[paulos66]

Is there a collective noun for people who actively want to be searched by people in uniforms?

[paulos66]

I don't suppose as a suicide bomber you'd change your mind if you might get searched - so not really that much of a deterrent