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Removal of face coverings

s.60AACriminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

Where a s.60 or s.60AA authorisation is in force, a constable in uniform can require a person to remove an item worn to conceal their identity, and seize items intended for that purpose.

Removal of face coverings · Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60AACard 05 / 59

When you can use it

s.60AA(1)A s.60 authorisation, or a s.60AA(3) authorisation, is in force for the locality, and the power is used there during that period
s.60AA(3)(a)For a s.60AA authorisation, an inspector or above reasonably believes activities may take place in a locality in their police area that are likely to involve offences
s.60AA(3)(b)The inspector also reasonably believes an authorisation is expedient to prevent or control those activities
The authorisation lasts no more than 24 hours. A superintendent or above may direct that it continues for a further 24 hours, having regard to offences committed, or reasonably suspected, in connection with the activities (s.60AA(4))
The officer using the power is a constable in uniform
Removal (s.60AA(2)(a))The constable reasonably believes the person is wearing the item wholly or mainly to conceal their identity
Seizure (s.60AA(2)(b))The constable reasonably believes the person intends to wear the item wholly or mainly for that purpose

What it allows

Require any person to remove any item (mask, balaclava, scarf) worn to hide identity.
Seize any item the person intends to wear to hide their identity.
Use the power anywhere in the locality while the authorisation runs.
There is no power to stop and search for disguises (Code A para 2.15).

Key definitions

Wholly or mainly – the purpose must be to conceal identity. A covering that happens to hide the face, such as one worn for religious reasons, is not enough on its own (Code A Note 4).
Locality – the area named in the authorisation. It should be no wider than is needed to prevent offences (Code A Note 13).
Reasonable belief – the inspector’s belief needs an objective basis, such as earlier crimes committed by people wearing face coverings to conceal identity (Code A Note 11).

Safeguards

The authorisation must be in writing, signed, and state the grounds, the locality and the period. If writing is not practicable it can be given orally, then recorded in writing as soon as practicable (s.60AA(6)–(6A)).
An inspector who authorises must tell a superintendent or above as soon as practicable (s.60AA(5)). An extension must be in writing, or recorded in writing as soon as practicable (s.60AA(6B)).
Code A paras 2.15–2.18 apply. Where there are religious sensitivities, let the person remove the item out of public view and, where practicable, with an officer of the same sex present (Code A Note 4).
Seized items are retained and disposed of under s.60A and its regulations.

Good to know

Offence – failing to remove an item when required (s.60AA(7)): summary only, up to one month’s imprisonment and/or a level 3 fine.
A s.60 authorisation switches this power on automatically, but a s.60AA authorisation gives no power to search.
Separate from this power, s.157 Crime and Policing Act 2026 (in force 29 June 2026) makes it an offence to wear or use an item that conceals identity in a public place within a locality an inspector has designated for a protest under s.158. Defences cover health, religious observance and work.
From 29 June 2026 the 2026 Act substituted s.60AA(8)–(8A), so British Transport Police and Ministry of Defence Police authorisations cover places within their own jurisdiction.

Legislation: Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60AA (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Who can use it: A constable in uniform (inspector authorisation)
Last checked: 3 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Removal of face coverings: questions people ask

When can the police use removal of face coverings?

1. A s.60 authorisation, or a s.60AA(3) authorisation, is in force for the locality, and the power is used there during that period 2. For a s.60AA authorisation, an inspector or above reasonably believes activities may take place in a locality in their police area that are likely to involve offences 3. The inspector also reasonably believes an authorisation is expedient to prevent or control those activities 4. The authorisation lasts no more than 24 hours. A superintendent or above may direct that it continues for a further 24 hours, having regard to offences committed, or reasonably suspected, in connection with the activities (s.60AA(4)) 5. The officer using the power is a constable in uniform 6. The constable reasonably believes the person is wearing the item wholly or mainly to conceal their identity 7. The constable reasonably believes the person intends to wear the item wholly or mainly for that purpose

Who can use removal of face coverings?

A constable in uniform (inspector authorisation)

What law gives the power for removal of face coverings?

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.60AA.

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