A third of stop and searches by Norfolk Police are “not reasonable”
- joebunker
- Oct 21, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 3
A recent report found that just over a third of stop and searches carried out by Norfolk Constabulary are “not reasonable.”
The report, carried out by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), assessed and reported on the effectiveness of how the force conducts itself.
The report went on to say that almost 20 percent (19.8%) of stop and searches were carried out on “weak grounds.”
It concluded that the force “requires improvement at treating people fairly and with respect.”
It also found that in many instances officers were “unjustified” for handcuffing compliant people during the stop and searches based on their review of the body-worn camera videos.
“I was left feeling so confused”
Apishek, 20, a student from Norwich, was randomly stopped and searched last year, when walking to Norwich train station.
He explained how he was “given no clear reason” for the officer stopping him and searching his backpack.
“I questioned him but he didn’t give me a clear answer… I was left feeling so confused.”
“It made me question, whether it would have happened to me if I had white skin.”
In response to the report's findings Norfolk Chief Constable, Paul Sandford said: “Steps are already being taken to address the issues raised around stop and search, which is down to officers not fully completing their paperwork on every stop.”
“This is something we need to get right and officers will receive additional training so we can get this right.”
He went on to say that, ”stop and search remains an important tactic for us in our efforts to deal with crime and I’m confident we can improve in this area.”
The report did however find that the force was “outstanding” for its good use of resources and “good” for preventing crime.
When is it reasonable to be stopped and searched?
The police have several grounds that they may legally stop and search a person. These must be based on objective facts and not just on a whim or gut feeling.
If a police officer has good reason to suspect you are carrying: drugs, weapons or stolen property then this is justified. Or any items which could be used to commit a crime, to commit an act of terrorism or to cause criminal damage.
Previous convictions, or suspicion formed on someone’s race, age or sex are not reasonable grounds for it be carried out.
If young people don't want to be stopped and search then they should stop taking illegal drugs -it's that simple. The email alert system is working very well btw.