It was announced yesterday by the Metropolitan Police, that new measures to improve the effectiveness of stop and search, is being put into place.
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eeting was held yesterday by the (MPA) Metroploitan Police Authorty to discuss the urgent matter of, addressing the failings of the stop and search process, which is resulting in strained relations with local communities.
The Metropolitan Police Website says:
The review, which was approved by Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe this week has led to a series of new objectives. The new approach will see a renewed focus on reducing violence and for the power to be used in a more intelligence-led and targeted way, leading to more arrests and more weapons seized.
A new dedicated, experienced central team will lead a wide range of changes affecting every element of stop and search with the aim of improving policy, practice, and performance across the board.
There will be fewer ‘Section 60’ authorisation, while the intelligence threshold to approve this power will be increased, ensuring there is a stronger case to grant it in the future. There will be more arrests arising from searches, and more weapons sought to help prevent violent crime. Failed searches for drugs will also be cut.
Commander Tony Eastaugh, who will be overseeing the MPS’s refreshed approach said: “Stop and Search is an important policing tactic and a deterrent to crime. We know from public attitude surveys that communities support us when it is used fairly and professionally.
“We accept there are disparities in the use of stop and search. Whilst the causes of these disparities are complex, it is vital that we not only maintain but enhance local accountability to provide greater transparency in relation to our use of stop and search to combat violent crime.
“We have worked hard over the years to establish robust scrutiny processes as transparency is essential to us. The clear message from public satisfaction surveys is that the wider community recognise that stop and search is a vital tool and we know we must retain their backing.
“We will continue to work to increase the involvement of communities and third sector organisations & statutory partners as we move forward with these changes.”
webchat on the use of stop and search by the Metropolitan Police Service in London.