Improving stop and search
Stop and search is a valuable policing tactic. It helps prevent, investigate and detect crime.
Police Scotland carries out stop and search in an open and transparent way. This is to make sure it is used rightly and help grow public trust and confidence.
The journey so far:
Police Scotland implemented a Stop and Search Improvement Plan in June 2015.
This followed an extensive review by Police Scotland and independent reviews by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) the Scottish Institute for Policing Research (SIPR) and an Independent Advisory Group on Stop and Search.
A Code of Practice on the use of stop and search then came into effect on 11 May 2017. The use of non-statutory (consensual) search stopped.
The Code of Practice on the use of stop and search puts individuals’ rights at the centre of any decision to stop and search a person.
It gives officers, including supervisors and senior managers guidance on conducting, recording and monitoring the use of stop and search.
The purpose of the code is to:
- Give principles for how stop and search is undertaken
- Make sure it is consistent
- Explain why, when and how stop and search is used
- Set the standard to which constables can be scrutinised and evaluated.
Stop and Search Improvement Plans have driven changes in the use of stop and search. They lay the foundations for the introduction of the Code of Practice.
So far we have:
- Improved guidance, briefing and training for frontline officers
- Introduced new recording practices. This is to make sure officers are clear about the information that should be recorded and how it should be recorded
- Implemented an improved version of the National Stop and Search Database
- Stopped the use of consensual searching
- Introduced a review process. This is to ensure the accuracy of the records submitted. It is also to identify any future areas of improvement.
Code of practice review
The Independent Advisory Group on Stop and Search, supported by Police Scotland, reviewed the Code of Practice throughout its first year.
This was to identify any areas for improvement. It informed any future amendments to the Code or associated legislation.
The review included an analysis of available stop and search data. It also included engagement with stakeholders.
This included children and young people and frontline officers using stop and search.
The Advisory Group provided an interim update on the progress of the Review after six months. They presented their findings at 12 months to the Scottish Government.
Related documents:
- Stop and Search Code of Practice Review June 2017 - May 2018
- Stop and Search Pilot Evaluation Report
- Stop and Search Improvement Plan 2016-17 - Code Phase III
- Stop and Search Improvement Plan 2015-16 - Interim Consensual Phase II
- Stop and Search Improvement Plan 2015-16 - Testing Phase I
- Six month review of the Code of Practice for Stop and Search in Scotland
- HM INSPECTORATE OF CONSTABULARY IN SCOTLAND Audit and Assurance Review of Stop and Search: Phase 1, March 2015
- HMICS Audit and Assurance Review of Stop and Search: Phase 2
- Stop and Search Officer Confidence
- SIPR Report Response
- Stop and Search update report for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice
- Stop and Search Improvement Progress Report for the Cabinet Secretary for Justice
- Social Attitude Survey
- Stop and Search Qualitative Survey
- Understanding and Preventing Youth Crime Survey
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