The secretary of Staffordshire Police Federation says it’s important communities have confidence in officers’ use of stop and search powers.
Glyn Pattinson has urged the Force to invest in training and support to ensure stop and search powers are being used properly.
His comments follow a new report on the disproportionate use of police powers with a spotlight on stop and search and use of force.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: “Over 35 years on from the introduction of stop and search legislation, no force fully understands the impact of the use of these powers. Disproportionality persists and no force can satisfactorily explain why.”
According to the report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), in 2019/20, black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people were over four times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people.
It also estimated there were reasonable grounds for stop and search encounters in 81.7 per cent of cases – down from 94 per cent in 2017.
Forces have been urged to improve their understanding of the tactic by identifying disproportionality, take action to reduce it where required, and explain those reasons and actions to the public.
Glyn said: “We know that stop and search can be an effective tactic for tackling drug crime and taking weapons off our streets. But it’s vital the communities we serve are confident we’re using these powers appropriately.
“This report highlights the need for more work to be done to be done to address concerns about the disproportionate use of stop and search, and we’re committed to working with key stakeholders on that.
“Our frontline colleagues need the best training, support and supervision so that they have the confidence to use stop and search effectively, appropriately and proportionately.”
Reacting to the report, Paul Odle, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Black Asian Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group, which this month became part of the HMICFRS External Reference Group on diversity and inclusion, said: “PFEW is fully committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination through community education, awareness and by listening to colleagues and the communities we serve.
“PFEW’s Black Asian Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group is part of an ongoing, important conversation on this subject, and we are dedicated to developing a greater cultural understanding around stop and search.”
