How we use stop and search
Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.
Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.
We do not underestimate the impact stop and search has on communities and individuals. We know that to maintain public confidence in its use, the power must be used in a fair and effective manner.
Why we use stop and search
The main reason we use stop and search is to allow officers to investigate their suspicions about an individual without having to arrest them.
How effective stop and search is, is as much about avoiding unnecessary arrests as it is about a crime being detected.
Recording stop and searches
The use of body worn video cameras help to reassure the public that their interactions with the police are recorded. The technology offers greater transparency for those in front of the camera as well as those behind it.
The cameras will allow officers to demonstrate the professionalism of officers, gather evidence and demonstrate their professionalism in the face of many challenges.
Effective stop and searches
We believe a stop and search is most likely to be fair and effective when:
- the search is justified, lawful and stands up to public scrutiny
- the officer has genuine and objectively reasonable suspicion they will find a prohibited article or item for use in crime
- the person understands why they have been searched and feels they have been treated with respect
- the search was necessary and was the most proportionate method the police officer could use to establish whether the person has such an item
Our chief constable supports the use of stop and search in a fair and effective way that enhances public confidence and is independently scrutinised.
We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to improve the quality of interactions and ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.
Independent scrutiny panel
Dorset Police has established an independent scrutiny panel that will hold the force to account on any stop and search issues. The members of the panel will reflect and represent the diverse communities of Dorset.
The panel sits at least quarterly and is made up of a diverse range of stakeholders. The group reviews examples of stop and search in practice through actual examination of stop search forms and police performance data.
Dorset Police also writes to a random selection of persons that have been subject to stop search to request feedback. Information and data from these sources is recorded and retained and considered by the panel. In addition, every complaint against police which concerns a stop search encounter will be considered by the panel.
If you wish to become involved in the independent scrutiny panel as a community representative, email us for more information.