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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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