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There has been a jump in the number of people stopped and searched by Northern Ireland police investigating dissident republican activity.There has been a jump in the number of people stopped and searched by Northern Ireland police investigating dissident republican activity.
Police used special powers 2,488 times in the last quarter of 2008, a rise of 245% on the same period in 2007.Police used special powers 2,488 times in the last quarter of 2008, a rise of 245% on the same period in 2007.
The figures were given to the Policing Board's Human Rights Committee.The figures were given to the Policing Board's Human Rights Committee.
The Terrorism Act allow officers to stop and search anyone if they have a reasonable suspicion that they may be involved in terrorist activity.The Terrorism Act allow officers to stop and search anyone if they have a reasonable suspicion that they may be involved in terrorist activity.
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has warned repeatedly that the threat from dissident republicans is at its highest level for a number of years.Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has warned repeatedly that the threat from dissident republicans is at its highest level for a number of years.
Details of the use of special powers available to officers support that claim.Details of the use of special powers available to officers support that claim.
The committee expressed concern about the increase and said it wanted to ensure that the use of the powers was justified and proportionate.The committee expressed concern about the increase and said it wanted to ensure that the use of the powers was justified and proportionate.
'Safe''Safe'
Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson said the increase was "shocking and unacceptable".Sinn Fein's Martina Anderson said the increase was "shocking and unacceptable".
"The unnecessary use of stop and search powers directly impacts on the ability of the PSNI to demonstrate to the community that they can police in an effective and accountable fashion," she said."The unnecessary use of stop and search powers directly impacts on the ability of the PSNI to demonstrate to the community that they can police in an effective and accountable fashion," she said.
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland speaking to Vincent Kearney
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland insisted they had been used properly.Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland insisted they had been used properly.
"The minute that we don't need these powers, these powers will not be used," he said."The minute that we don't need these powers, these powers will not be used," he said.
"We have got to use them to keep the community of Northern Ireland safe - which is what every single political party wants.""We have got to use them to keep the community of Northern Ireland safe - which is what every single political party wants."
The Policing Board will discuss the figures at its meeting next month.The Policing Board will discuss the figures at its meeting next month.
The board's figures showed the largest number of people stopped and searched under Section 44 were in the County Tyrone border town of Strabane - 625.The board's figures showed the largest number of people stopped and searched under Section 44 were in the County Tyrone border town of Strabane - 625.
A total of 315 stops were made in south Belfast, 280 in east Belfast, 276 in north Belfast and 58 in west Belfast.A total of 315 stops were made in south Belfast, 280 in east Belfast, 276 in north Belfast and 58 in west Belfast.
Craigavon in County Armagh saw 159 such stop and searches, Dungannon, County Tyrone 123, Limavady, County Londonderry 101, and Newry and Mourne, 99.Craigavon in County Armagh saw 159 such stop and searches, Dungannon, County Tyrone 123, Limavady, County Londonderry 101, and Newry and Mourne, 99.