Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa has welcomed the introduction of a new scheme to reform police use of stop and search powers.
All 43 police forces in England and Wales have agreed, voluntarily, to adopt a new government code of conduct on the use of their powers to stop and search members of the public.
Mr Dhindsa said: “Police use of Stop and Search has been a controversial point for a long time and I welcome the measures being taken to increase transparency in the way these powers are used. Misuse of Stop and Search can damage the relationship between the public and the police, but used effectively it has much to recommend it.
“I believe that the scheme will enable the Police Service to restore public trust in Stop and Search as a valuable policing tool.
“By making information publicly available showing why Stop and Search powers were invoked and to what end I hope that confidence will increase within local communities that police officers are using these powers proportionately, fairly and to good effect.”
Unveiling the scheme Home Secretary Theresa May said:
“Nobody wins when stop and search is misused. It can be an enormous waste of police time and damage the relationship between the public and police.
“I am delighted that all 43 police forces have signed up to the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme. It will increase transparency, give us a better understanding of how stop and search is actually being used and help local communities hold the police to account for their use of the powers.
“I hope it will also go a long way to building public confidence and forging an important link between communities and the police.”
Ends
Background:
Download the full release from the Home Office here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-launches-best-use-of-stop-and-search-scheme
Media Enquiries: Sallie Blair - 01283 821012 / 07702 541401
Posted on Wednesday 27th August 2014