All articles tagged
policy

Black people are subject to two thirds of Knife Crime Prevention Orders, despite representing only 4% of the population. Yet the Home Office has ‘no clear assessment’ of their impact and effectiveness on levels of crime

Home Office forced to release Equality Impact Assessment for section 60 stops by StopWatch and Liberty. Tribunal calls Home Office ‘disingenuous’ for refusing to disclose the assessment in the first place

Consultation on plans to allow police to stop and search those previously convicted of knife crime offences without suspicion

Statement responds to new legislation

Research finds that there is little clarity on the legality of seizing mobile phones during stop and search encounters

Traffic stops are one of the most used police powers but up to now have been one of the least regulated. With the term "driving while black" now commonplace, we outline the key concerns surrounding s163 of the Road Traffic Act and provide recommendations for delivering meaningful reform in this area.

The UK's political parties have released their manifestos as the country moves toward its May 7 election. This is what each of the major parties had to say on what their policies on stop and search would look like if elected. We also provide information that you may want to take into consideration in interpreting the positions of the political parties.

HMIC report has found slow to no progress on transparency, guidance and fairness in the use of stop and search powers across the UK since the Home Secretary's promise for reform. StopWatch welcomes these criticisms, and asks: isn't it time for primary legislation?

Our response to the government's new police code of conduct, announced today.

The home secretary has announced a public consultation into stop and search. It’s really important that as many people, especially those with experiences of being stopped and searched, write in so that the government knows how you really feel about it, and we’re here to help you have your say!

StopWatch raises concerns over the timing of consultation and notes the need to ensure the consultation is meaningful and the voices of impacted communities are heard

All three candidates vying to become Leicestershire’s first Police and Crime Commissioner promise if elected to review the use of stop-and-search powers although fell short on guarantees to ensure that stop-and-account is recorded.

All of Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have pledged, if elected, to ensure that Suffolk Constabulary continues to record stop-and-accounts and to push for more intelligence-led stop and search

Positive progress from new Metropolitan police commissioner

Positive steps by Metropolitan Police Authority in crucial recording of stop and account

​It recently came out in an article by the Guardian that the police have asked the government for a new counter-terrorism power to stop and search people without reasonable suspicion. This has raised a concern amongst member of StopWatch.

​On 1 December 2010, Richard Fuller MP tabled a Westminster Hall debate on stop and search, raising a number of StopWatch concerns. The debate focused on the changes being made to the PACE code of practice A. Nick Herbert MP, Minister of State for Police, provided some answers.

Liberty has warned the government against draft police guidance that would allow race to be a basis for stop and search without suspicion under section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.