2 July August
The Home Office has called the fairness of the criminal justice system ‘a priority’ following today’s publication of stop and search figures.
Figures published today show black people are six times more likely to be searched by police than white people. There are almost twice as many searches of Asian people than white people.
People from black and ethnic minority communities are also under represented in the police service and are more likely to be victims of crime.
The Home Office said that the Government is committed to working closely with police and communities to tackle concerns over stop and search. The Department will also ensure police forces reflect their communities by recruiting and retaining more black and minority ethnic staff.
A Stop and Search Action Team has been formed to ensure that stop and search as a power is used as effectively as possible in the prevention and detection of crime. Work is underway in five pilot forces and initial consultations with police officers and residents are already making a difference.
Hazel Blears, Home Office Minister for police and counter terrorism, said stop and search is effective in tackling crime when used in an intelligence-led way:
"The Action team is currently assessing to what extent this is taking place. Earlier this year we published guidance on the recording of stops, which will become a national requirement for all forces by next April.
"We are also publishing interim guidance to police forces today to ensure best use of stop and search powers."
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