Use of Stop and Search under Review

A report containing recommendations aimed at improving the targeting, effectiveness, and transparency of the use of stop and search tactics by Police Scotland has been published by the Scottish Police Authority.

In its report, the SPA acknowledged the contribution that stop and search makes to tackling violence and antisocial behaviour in Scotland, but has highlighted a number of areas for improvement.

Key recommendations include:

  • improved data collection and analysis by Police Scotland, to make stronger the connection between intelligence, the threat of crime, and the stop and search activity undertaken,
  • increased public reporting of stop and search data to enhance transparency and build public confidence,
  • a shift towards informed consent in non-statutory stop and search to ensure the public are better informed of their rights, including the right to decline.

The review also highlights the need for wider policy consideration within the criminal justice system around the lack of statutory powers to search for alcohol, and the need for more research on the long-term impact of stop and search on particular groups and communities, especially younger people.

“We make a number of recommendations which, if implemented, we believe will improve policy, practice, and outcomes,” explained Brian Barbour, the SPA member who chaired the scrutiny task group. “The golden thread running through those recommendations is the need for a step change in knowledge and awareness – within policing, and more widely in our society.”

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