The Home Office has today launched the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme, and Dyfed Powys has gone live immediately.
The voluntary scheme, which was announced by the Home Secretary in April, is part of a range of measures that will contribute to a reduction in the overall use of stop and search, lead to better and more intelligence-led stop and searches and more effective outcomes.
Chief Constable Simon Prince said, “We are confident that we use the powers of Stop and Search appropriately in Dyfed Powys and we were pleased to be given the opportunity to increase the level of transparency to this important area of our work.”
The thirty-five forces going live today have implemented all aspects of the scheme to:
– increase transparency by recording all outcomes of stop and search and whether there is a connection between the grounds for the search and the outcome;
– restrict the use of Section 60 “no suspicion” powers;
– give members of the public the opportunity to observe stop and search in practice; and
– introduce a community complaints trigger – ensuring that complaints are properly monitored and scrutinised.
Home Secretary Theresa May said: “No one should be stopped and searched on the basis of their race or ethnicity. These powers are vital in the fight against crime when used correctly. However, they must be applied fairly and only when needed – and in a way that builds community confidence rather than undermining it. I’m delighted that the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme has launched today.
“Reforming the use of stop and search powers saves officers’ time and increases transparency within the local community. Our stop and search reforms are working. The number of searches are down under this government, by 15% in the last year alone. But we cannot be complacent and must ensure that the public can hold the police to account for their use of these powers.”
For further information on the use of Stop and Search in Dyfed Powys visit http://dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/what-we-do/stop-and-search
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