Metropolitan Police reveals new charter for stop and search powers

Launching the New Charter: Enhancing Trust and Accountability

The Metropolitan Police has introduced a new charter for stop and search, a tactic that has long been a source of controversy and tension within London’s communities. The charter, developed with input from over 8,500 Londoners of diverse ages and ethnicities, aims to address concerns about how stop and search is carried out and to improve trust between the police and the public. The Met acknowledges that while the tactic can be effective in preventing crime, it has also been a focal point of mistrust, particularly among ethnic minorities. The new charter is part of an effort to ensure that stop and search is used fairly, respectfully, and with greater oversight.

The History and Controversy of Stop and Search

Stop and search allows police officers to detain individuals who are not under arrest if there are reasonable grounds to believe they are carrying an unlawful item, such as a weapon or drugs. While the tactic has led to the seizure of thousands of weapons, including 17,500 over the past four years, its use has been criticized for disproportionately targeting people from ethnic minorities, especially young black men. For many, stop and search has become a "rite of passage" that leaves lasting feelings of embarrassment and humiliation. Campaigners argue that this disparity in targeting is a key reason why trust in the police is low among certain communities.

A Necessary Tool or a Source of Distrust?

Despite the controversy, the Met maintains that stop and search is a vital tool in the fight against serious violence and crime. Sir Mark Rowley, the Met’s commissioner, emphasized that the tactic can "burn through trust" when misused but stressed that many officers already conduct searches with respect and empathy. According to the Met, up to 68% of Londoners, including young people, support the use of stop and search. However, support varies significantly depending on who is asked, with many black Londoners expressing that the tactic creates tension and mistrust. The new charter is an attempt to address these concerns and rebuild trust in the policing tactic.

The New Charter: Key Measures and Improvements

The new charter outlines several key measures to improve the use of stop and search. These include enhanced training for officers to better understand the communities they serve, with a focus on communication skills, empathy, and de-escalation techniques. The charter also introduces a more robust supervision process, with regular and random reviews of how stop and search is being implemented. Additionally, there are plans to improve the handling of complaints, making the process more accessible and involving the community in decision-making to prevent bias.

The charter further includes a commitment to work with communities to reduce fear and demonstrate that stop and search is being used fairly and without prejudice. Sir Mark Rowley described the charter as "particularly powerful" because it was developed in collaboration with Londoners, highlighting the importance of community involvement in shaping policing practices. The Met has expressed its gratitude to those who contributed to the charter and reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing change and trust-building.

Community Engagement and the Path Forward

The development of the charter was preceded by events held across London to gather public input on what the document should include. Themes emerging from these events were tested in surveys involving 8,500 people, ensuring that the charter reflects the perspectives and concerns of a broad cross-section of the population. The Met has pledged to continue engaging with communities to ensure that stop and search is used in a way that fosters trust rather than eroding it.

While the charter represents a step forward, its success will depend on consistent implementation and ongoing dialogue. Sir Mark Rowley emphasized that the Met cannot let concerns about the tactic’s contentious nature lead to its underuse, as this would only benefit criminals. Instead, the focus must be on using stop and search responsibly and transparently, with the ultimate goal of keeping communities safe while respecting their rights and dignity.

Conclusion and the Road Ahead

The introduction of the new stop and search charter marks a significant effort by the Metropolitan Police to address long-standing concerns about fairness, transparency, and trust. By engaging with Londoners and incorporating their feedback, the Met has demonstrated a commitment to improving how the tactic is used. However, the true test of the charter’s effectiveness will lie in its implementation and the tangible changes it brings to communities.

As the Met moves forward, it must remain dedicated to rebuilding trust and ensuring that stop and search is a tool for justice, not a source of division. By fostering stronger relationships with the public and upholding the principles of empathy, respect, and accountability, the Metropolitan Police can work towards a future where stop and search is seen as a necessary and fair tool, rather than a symbol of mistrust.