Section 60 Powers Activated in Birmingham Overnight

Police cite recent serious incidents as reason for expanded stop-and-search authority.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:15pm

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West Midlands Police has announced that they will be implementing Section 60 stop-and-search powers across parts of Birmingham from 7pm on Saturday until 3am on Sunday. The move comes in response to a number of recent serious incidents in the area.

Why it matters

Section 60 orders give police expanded authority to stop and search individuals without needing reasonable suspicion, a power that has been controversial due to concerns over disproportionate use against minority communities. The decision to enact these measures reflects ongoing public safety challenges in Birmingham.

The details

Under Section 60, officers can search anyone in a designated area without needing to provide reasonable grounds. West Midlands Police stated the order was necessary due to a number of serious incidents that have occurred recently in the city.

  • The Section 60 powers will be in effect from 7pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026 until 3am on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The players

West Midlands Police

The territorial police force responsible for policing the West Midlands metropolitan county in England.

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The takeaway

The use of Section 60 stop-and-search powers highlights the ongoing public safety challenges facing Birmingham and the difficult balance police must strike between public security and civil liberties. The decision will likely renew debate over the appropriate scope and application of these controversial measures.