A recent inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary found that some police forces were still not following the rules which were aimed at eliminating discrimination in stop and search powers.
Black people are four times more likely than white people to face a stop and search, most of which result in no detection of criminality.
HMIC said in the report: “We are extremely disappointed to find that Derbyshire constabulary, Greater Manchester police, Northamptonshire police and South Yorkshire police were, at the time of our revisit, still not complying with certain features of the scheme.
HMIC’s lead inspector, Mike Cunningham, said: “Stop and search powers are some of the most intrusive powers the police have, and, used correctly, are a legitimate form of combating crime. However, used incorrectly, they can erode the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve. That’s why it’s so important that all forces scrupulously demonstrate that they use this tactic appropriately.”
It seems Derbyshire Police is now the only police force still breaking the rules.
Kulvinder Gill a specialist actions against the police lawyer says “The power to stop and search by police is very important. However the powers given to the police should not be abused and certainly no section of the community should be specifically targeted. Those that have been unfairly targeted are often left feeling that they can no longer trust the Police which in turn can lead to a breakdown in community relations. It is reassuring that overall the number of stop and searches have reduced nationally”
If you or any family member requires any assistance then please contact the actions against the police team at Howells Solicitors on 0114 2496666
Media link – https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/feb/02/stop-and-search-police-unacceptably-slow-to-comply-with-new-rules
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