I'm a nice, law-abiding person. Clearly I have in the past crossed the road on a red light or driven slightly above the speed limit, but I would draw the line at saying that burglary or criminal damage are acceptable pastimes.
However, yesterday, I was stopped and searched by the BTP (British Transport Police for those who do not know). On my way to get the underground into town, I was stopped by a perfectly nice policeman who explained that they were doing "random" searches under the Terrorism Act, looking for suspicious materials such as newspaper cuttings, explosives etc. The reason why "random" is in quotemarks will become glaringly obvious shortly... the sharpest of you will have worked it out already, I'm sure.
So he looks in my bag - the most cursory of searches really, and we have a little chat about the Terrorism Act and he wrote down my details and suchlike. As a good little law student I obviously asked what the information was going to be used for and all the answers I received were satisfactory. I got to keep the little pink (yes, PINK!!!) piece of paper and everything, so this was all very exciting.
I can hear you ask - how likely is a little blonde twenty-something to be involved in terrorism? (If you've watched season 2 of 24 you may think it is actually pretty likely). You may think this incident inspires confidence in the police and is evidence that they are carrying out truly random searches where gender or ethnicity are irrelevant.
After the policeman had given me my little piece of paper, he asked me out on a date.
Random search or blatant abuse of power?
I'll let you decide.
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6 comments:
Does the little pink slip have his name/reference number on it?
You should totally report him for that - absolutely not on.
very dodgy indeed but I can't say that I am particularly surprised and I am speaking as a former police officer.
I take it you declined his offer but did you give a few words of advice?
I am a 20 something brunette and I got my bag searched while waiting for a train - not even in London - no offer of a date tho! Maybe the cops my way are just really keen!
www.veritysworld.blogspot.com
A blatant and pre-planned abuse of power. The search was not random nor in the public interest (it was more for his own benefit). He (the policeman) should've been doing his job properly instead using stop and search as an excuse to ask out young ladies.
He should be reported to the PCC (for those of you that don't know it is the Police Complaints Commission).
How did the date go? Did he show you his handcuffs and baton?
I just finished reading most of your posts. Actually you are my inspiration for documenting my impending journey through law studies, mind you I won't be attending any law school. Hope to see more and check out my blog and possibly link if you so desire http://reggaebarrister.blogspot.com
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