00:00A debate over face coverings is developing after Nottingham introduced powers allowing officers to challenge people concealing faces.
00:09The measure applies where police or community protection officers reasonably believe a covering is being used to conceal identity during
00:17crime or anti-social behaviour.
00:19People who refuse to cooperate in Nottingham can face a £70 fine or prosecution with a maximum penalty of £1
00:27,000.
00:27But the policy does not apply to coverings worn for legitimate religious cultural health work or personal safety reasons.
00:36Some Westmillan's community figures want similar powers here.
00:40Dan Baker who founded Bikers Against Bike Theft and Balaclavas after his son's bike was stolen says the issue has
00:47become widespread and he believes the Nottingham approach should be considered more widely locally.
00:53Birmingham community campaigner Mohamed Zafran also supports targeted action.
00:58He says young people wearing balaclavas can intimidate others particularly where crime or anti-social behaviour is suspected.
01:08But stresses any policy must avoid unfairly targeting people with legitimate reasons for covering their faces.
01:15Supporters say clearer powers could make town and city centres feel safer and help businesses.
01:21Critics question how officers decide when a covering is suspicious and whether enforcement can be applied fairly.
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