Stop and search data shows police moving in right direction

40 forces will publish detailed data showing the number of stops and searches, the outcomes thereof, the age and ethnicity of the subject and the time of day the stop and search took place. The figures will accompany maps showing where these interactions took place. 

DCC Hanstock said: "It is important that we do not lose sight of the fact that, on a daily basis, officers utilising the stop and search power are finding weapons, stolen property and drugs. 

"The people committing a criminal act by carrying these items are the same people who can make communities less safe and police must have appropriate powers at their disposal to find and deal with them.

"It is, however, very important that this power is used with great care and precision, acting on intelligence and reasonable suspicion that a suspect is in possession of something they should not be. 

"Today's data shows that the police service is moving in the right direction and is committed both to making improvements and maintaining community confidence that we are utilising stop and search in the best possible way."

ENDS