For those who can recall the much discreited 'Sus' law abuses in Birmingham during the 80's, that led to the Handsworth riots of 1985, the widespread use of Section 44 of the Terror Act is clearly being over-used in London. The effectiveness of this is bordering on 0%. As highlighted in this BBC article, the law was used on 170,000 in 2008. This in London alone. From this, 65 people were arrested. it is not clear how many of these led to charges being filed. Statistically, the law is ineffective. Practically, all it does is alienate people toward the police. An interesting quote:
"The Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Metropolitan Police were all unable to say whether anyone had successfully been charged or convicted for terror offences as a direct result of section 44."
There are, of course, some rather odd stories surrounding this... here for example. The law, as they say, is an ass...
A law is only effective if it is used correctly and with appropriate justification and oversight. Clearly not the case here if no proper record keeping is maintained...
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