Not having anything to hide, I agreed. I was searched, my name checked against the police computer and asked to produce any form of identity I had on me. I was given a receipt for my troubles and sent on my way. At the time, this was nothing more than a minor inconvenience, but for some reason I haven’t been able to let this rest.

I’ve summarised some of the relevant sections of the act below, but you can find the full version online courtesy of the Office of Public Sector Information.

44(2) An authorisation under this subsection authorises any constable in uniform to stop a pedestrian in an area or at a place specified in the authorisation and to search—

1. the pedestrian;
2. anything carried by him.

44(3) An authorisation under subsection (1) or (2) may be given only if the person giving it considers it expedient for the prevention of acts of terrorism.

45(2) A constable may seize and retain an article which he discovers in the course of a search by virtue of section 44(1) or (2) and which he reasonably suspects is intended to be used in connection with terrorism.

47(1) A person commits an offence if he—

1. fails to stop a vehicle when required to do so by a constable in the exercise of the power conferred by an authorisation under section 44(1);
2. fails to stop when required to do so by a constable in the exercise of the power conferred by an authorisation under section 44(2);
3. wilfully obstructs a constable in the exercise of the power conferred by an authorisation under section 44(1) or (2).

47(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to—

1. imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,
2. a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or
3. both.

There doesn’t appear to be much doubt, the police can stop and search you if they think it will help to prevent terrorism. That includes acting as a deterrent to others. And should you refuse, well, then you have committed an offence. If I thought this method of countering terrorism worked, I don’t think I’d mind. But, I can’t see how this is an effective deterrent.

I’d still like to know why they chose to stop me.