Question reference: S6W-01788
- Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 23 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Ash Denham on 18 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on police (a) time and (b) resources would be of making it an offence to carry pyrotechnics in a public place and granting officers the power to stop and search people suspected of carrying such items.
Answer
As set out in the Draft Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment, which was published on 20 June in conjunction with the consultation paper on the introduction of new legislation on the sale and use of fireworks in Scotland, and tackling the misuse of pyrotechnics Police Scotland has been a key driver in requesting the proposed offence and related stop and search power for pyrotechnics.
The new offence provisions will require Police Scotland to refresh their guidance on stop and search and pyrotechnics that is currently in place for their officers. Police Scotland has confirmed that there will be no additional resources required. Similar powers already exist for a person having an offensive weapon or dangerous instrument with them in a public place without reasonable excuse or lawful authority and it is anticipated that the proposed new offence will be enforced in a similar manner. In due course it is hoped that the new offence and stop and search power for pyrotechnics will make our communities safer and reduce public disorder thereby reducing the number of police operations.