Changes to police stop and search rules

Around half of all police stop and searches are carried out on the suspicion of drug offences and the police are stopping more people on these grounds; however, the number of arrests due to drug offences has fallen.

Complaints about aggressive treatment and unnecessary searches continue, and the black community appears to be targeted more than the white community. In July the BBC reported that police officer Nick Glynn had himself been stopped and searched approximately 30 times; often there was no explanation as to why he was being searched.

In 2012 the police carried out 1.2 million searches on the people and vehicles they stopped. This does not include traffic stops and stops without a search. There are concerns that discrimination is taking place, with a disproportional number of black youths being stopped.

No crime reduction

The aim of stop and search is to identify and apprehend criminals. The target of searches is usually weapons or drugs; however, a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) in July 2013 revealed that only 9% of searches results in an arrest. More worrying, it is thought that as many as 25% of searches are not conducted lawfully, as the police have insufficient grounds – ie no specific reason – to stop the individual.

What changes are coming is still unclear, but Theresa May is determined to make it a fairer and more ethical process; however, this needs to be balanced with ensuring that the police can search those who may be in possession of illegal drugs.