Originally Posted by Gulf4uk
...increased police activity in UK under Section 44 counter terroism act...
This topic has come up a number of times in some photo blogs. Although the police often try to bluff and initmidate (as reported - I have no personal experience), their authorised actions under Section 44 are quite clear. Here is a summary, the accuracy of which I cannot confirm - perhaps a lawyer or police officer can.
When a police officer reasonably suspects you are a terrorist you can be stopped and searched to discover whether you have anything in your possession that could constitute evidence that you are a terrorist. Since being a terrorist is not in itself an offence, unless you are a member of a proscribed group, this power means that the police do not have to suspect you of committing an offence or of carrying prohibited articles.
In addition the police can designate specific areas to be places where they have special powers in relation to terrorism. This means that within these localities people and vehicles can be stopped and searched by the police if they consider it expedient to do so to prevent acts of terrorism. There is no need for any reasonable suspicion.
They should be looking for articles which could be used in connection with terrorism but the powers can be used whether or not the police have grounds for suspecting the presence of articles of that kind.
Failure to stop a vehicle or obstructing a police officer in the exercise of these powers is an offence punishable with a fine, a prison sentence of six months or both.
DURING SECTION 44 SEARCHES
The police can only give you a pat down, remove outer clothes (eg - jacket, hat) search your bags, and have you empty your pockets
You do not have to give your name or address
You do not have to explain why you are there
There is no permission to collect DNA data during the search
You do not have to comply with any attempt to photograph or record you.
Women can not be touched by male police during these searches.
Make notes about the officers searching you - name, number, and police force.
Note the time and the events preceding the search.
Note the specific wording used by the police to explain their authority to search you.
Ask police for the reason that they are searching you. Specifically, are they searching for terrorists or are they simply trying to deter, delay, or inconvenience you?
If you have a bad experience with police, you may want to make a formal complaint.
Most (all ?) airports are designated special areas as above.