Formed in 2010 as a coalition of academics, lawyers, civil society representatives, and community stakeholders, StopWatch works to promote fair, effective, and accountable policing in England and Wales, with a primary focus on stop and search.

We use our research into stop and search outcomes to act against disproportionality and injustice. This involves campaigning for evidence-based policies, challenging police malpractice, and empowering overpoliced communities to find solutions for instances of harassment and abuse.

StopWatch is run by a small team of paid staff supported by a cast of volunteering members, and overseen by a board of trustees with expertise and lived experience of criminal justice policy and legislation.

We are funded by the generous donations of the public and grants awarded by philanthropic and corporate institutions, usually for conducting specific community-led projects and research. We do not receive state funding – this ensures our independence on policing policy. Further information about our funders is available via our page on the Charity Commission website. If you require more information about how StopWatch is funded, please contact info@stop-watch.org.