Urgent reform stop and search needed, says new report by Vic Motune
An independent national task force should be set up to bring about “wholesale changes” in the way police use the powers to build public confidence according to the findings of a 12-month research projectAN INDEPENDENT national task force is needed to bring about to oversee major changes in stop and search, a new report has found.
The report published today by criminal justice consultancy Crest Advisory and the Hadley Trust comes in the wake of figures revealed earlier this by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan that black Londoners were 3.3 times more likely to be stopped than white Londoners. This increased to 7 times more likely for stops involving weapons, points, or blades.
Crest says the Home Office should pilot and evaluate a threat-level type framework that would operate in a similar way to that used to flag the risk of a terrorist attack. For example, the threat level might be raised where there was an increased likelihood of serious violence following a spate of murders or where intelligence indicated there was probably going to be disorder. In such circumstances, Section 60 powers could be authorised.
“I suspect I was the only officer of chief constable rank of the last many years to have experienced being stopped and searched as both a child and as an adult, so I can say, without any hesitation, that it’s not just the way you do it that counts, it’s the fact that you feel you need to do it all. He said: “I know we haven’t made anywhere near as much progress as we ought to have done and that creates challenges, particularly with black communities where we have the most difficult relationship because of the challenging history we have”
The Crest report says the role of the task force would be to conduct a rigorous, evidence-based analysis of the strategic costs and benefits of stop and search, taking into account both the impact on crime and on community confidence.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two missing teenagers thought to be together as urgent appeal launchedTeigan is described as white, around 5ft.4 inches in height with long and fair hair. Kyle is described as white, around 5ft. 9 inches in height with short brown hair.
Read more »
Urgent weather warning as Greater Manchester braced for FREEZING conditionsUrgent weather warning as Greater Manchester braced for FREEZING conditions over the weekend
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon: It will take hard work but independence will be worth it'We stand ready to work with the UK Government to reach an agreement to enable a lawful, democratic referendum to take place - but it looks certain in the short-term that they will continue refusing.'
Read more »
Labour MP suspended from party pending investigationConor McGinn, who represents St Helens North, will now sit as an independent MP.
Read more »
Half-price loungewear, sweary necklaces and 5 more great buys from British indie brandsFrom fashion and interiors to beauty, there’s something for everyone in this week’s Drop.
Read more »