The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has warned police that the use of stop and search powers in a way which is not considered and professional can harm public confidence in the police.
In a statement, IPCC Commissioner Mike Franklin, who leads on Stop and Search for the IPCC said:
“In March 2010 I wrote to Chief Constables outlining the IPCC’s position on Stop and Search.
“Police powers to stop and search individuals can have a significant impact on public confidence in policing. It is the IPCC’s role, as guardian of the police complaints system, to look at the impact stop and search has and make recommendations on how interactions and engagement between the police and members of the public can be improved in this challenging area.
“The IPCC recognises that police powers to stop and search individuals exist, officers will use them and indeed the majority of officers carry out their duties and exercise these powers in a considered and professional manner, in sometimes very difficult and demanding circumstances. However, this is not always the case and we believe the use of stop and search can be highly intrusive especially where it does not result in an arrest and no proper explanation or justification given it can significantly undermine the individual’s and wider community confidence in policing.
“We are committed to addressing issues raised by stop and search and believe when police use these powers they must do so in a way that is demonstrably fair, effective and carries public confidence.
“It is also essential to improve the dialogue between police, communities and individuals so there is a better understanding why stop and search powers are being used, and what efforts are being made to ensure they are fair, effective and have the confidence of the public.”
What are your opinions on the way in which police use the power of stop and search? Have you ever experienced it?
