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27/01/2005
Home Office publishes new guidelines for 'stop and search'
Measures to ensure fair and effective use of police stop and search powers have been outlined in guidance published by the Home Office.
The manual, which is out for public consultation until March 9, provides information on stop and search powers, police authorities' role in monitoring their use and a complaints procedure, as well as research into the fairness of the process. It also provides guidance on the requirement to record any stops made and includes examples of good practice in using the powers.
The publication of the manual follows the launch last year of a Stop and Search Action Team (SSAT) and the establishment of an independent community panel to monitor its work. The panel provides advice to both the police and the government on public concerns regarding the use of stop and search powers.
Commenting on the new guidance, Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears said that the manual would provide "invaluable guidance" to police and police authorities, as well as help identify "good and innovative practice" and make people aware of their rights, if they are stopped.
She said: "The proportionate use of police powers to stop and search is essential to creating a fair and effective criminal justice system in which all members of the community can have confidence. When stop and search powers are used in an intelligence-led way, they are extremely effective in the prevention and detection of crime.
"Our aim is to ensure that police officers have the confidence to use the powers effectively to tackle crime, while promoting confidence in the use of the powers among all members of the community."
A final version of the manual will be published at the end of March.
(KMcA/SP)
The manual, which is out for public consultation until March 9, provides information on stop and search powers, police authorities' role in monitoring their use and a complaints procedure, as well as research into the fairness of the process. It also provides guidance on the requirement to record any stops made and includes examples of good practice in using the powers.
The publication of the manual follows the launch last year of a Stop and Search Action Team (SSAT) and the establishment of an independent community panel to monitor its work. The panel provides advice to both the police and the government on public concerns regarding the use of stop and search powers.
Commenting on the new guidance, Home Office Minister, Hazel Blears said that the manual would provide "invaluable guidance" to police and police authorities, as well as help identify "good and innovative practice" and make people aware of their rights, if they are stopped.
She said: "The proportionate use of police powers to stop and search is essential to creating a fair and effective criminal justice system in which all members of the community can have confidence. When stop and search powers are used in an intelligence-led way, they are extremely effective in the prevention and detection of crime.
"Our aim is to ensure that police officers have the confidence to use the powers effectively to tackle crime, while promoting confidence in the use of the powers among all members of the community."
A final version of the manual will be published at the end of March.
(KMcA/SP)
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22 March 2012
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24 March 2004
Stop and search powers top police complaints, says report
Police stop-and-search powers are more likely to elicit complaint from black people and one in five of all complainants allege that the officers' actions amounted to racial discrimination, according to a report published today by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).
Stop and search powers top police complaints, says report
Police stop-and-search powers are more likely to elicit complaint from black people and one in five of all complainants allege that the officers' actions amounted to racial discrimination, according to a report published today by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).
02 July 2013
Stop-And-Search Powers To Be Put Before Public Consultation
How police in England and Wales use stop-and-search powers is to be put up for public consultation. Figures for 2011-12 show that some 1.2m stops were used, with just 9% leading to an arrest. It is understood that the Home Secretary will announce the consultation, saying that the power to stop-and-search people needs to be used "more carefully".
Stop-And-Search Powers To Be Put Before Public Consultation
How police in England and Wales use stop-and-search powers is to be put up for public consultation. Figures for 2011-12 show that some 1.2m stops were used, with just 9% leading to an arrest. It is understood that the Home Secretary will announce the consultation, saying that the power to stop-and-search people needs to be used "more carefully".
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Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has welcomed the positive measures taken by Glasgow Airport police to address concerns about the use of Schedule 7 powers. It follows his visit to see the police operation at the airport and the launch of a new community engagement group in the wake of public meetings about Schedule 7 last year.
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Police Search For Men Who Attacked Woman Trying To Stop Fight
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