We share HMICFRS’ concern over the disproportionate use of stop and search
HMICFRS has today (Friday 26 February) published a report entitled Disproportionate Use of Police Powers: A spotlight on stop and search and the use of force.
The report calls on police leaders to consider if focusing stop and search on drugs possession is an effective use of these powers, and also calls on them to better explain the reasons for disproportionality.
In response, the APCC’s national leads on Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights – Derbyshire PCC Hardyal Dhindsa and West Mercia PCC John Campion – said: “Stop and search remains a valuable tool in tackling crime, especially violent crime which is so often linked to drugs and county lines.
“But communities have to have confidence that the police is using the power to keep them safe. We share HMI Williams’ concern that the disproportionate use of stop and search has an adverse impact on community relations.
“PCCs are driving forward, or have been involved in, numerous initiatives across England and Wales to tackle disproportionality in the use of these powers. We have worked with the National Police Chiefs Council to gather and promote good practice, and the APCC’s recent ‘Race Disparity In Focus’ report complements the work of the Race Disparity Working Group, providing many examples of what PCCs are doing locally to tackle these concerns. For example, we are facilitating greater independent community-led scrutiny, and providing more transparent data on the use of police powers.
“PCCS will continue to champion these initiatives, whilst holding our forces to account to ensure that some of the measures that HMICFRS recommends – such as improved and more consistent use of Body Worn Video – are adopted. This will help give the communities we are elected to represent greater confidence in the forces that serve them.”