StopWatch opposes police stop searches of any child under the age of 18, as this demographic should be treated as exploited victims rather than offenders. We are concerned by the disturbingly high proportion of stop and searches involving children, and the fact that this is increasing over time. In the year ending March 2023, stop and searches of children increased by 13% and accounted for 21% of total stop and searches (where age was known), with 107,763 children stopped and searched (Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, 2024, p. 2). The proportion of stop and searches involving children has increased by 2% each year for the past two years (Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, 2024, p. 7). Children’s vulnerability to long-term trauma, psychological suffering and intimidation during and in the aftermath of a stop and search cannot be overstated, with permanent effects on their perception of the police (Ali and Champion, 2021, p. 10).
The use of stop and search against children should further be called into question on the grounds of its evident inefficacy. Despite the increase in stop and searches of children in the year ending March 2023, more than three quarters (77%) of child stop and searches led to no further action, only 10% resulted in arrest, and the recidivism rate among children is 32.2% (Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, 2024, p. 7), undermining claims that stop and search is an effective deterrent for criminal activity.
For a full explanation of our position, please download and read our briefing.