‘Substantial improvements’ made to stop and search, report finds

Police Scotland has made “substantial improvements” in its stop and search practices according to a new report from a police watchdog.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland’s Audit and Assurance Review of Stop and Search: Phase 2 report, published today, acknowledges the improvements Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority have made with stop and search across Scotland.

This review followed up on the recommendations made within HMICS’ Phase 1 report, which was published in March 2015 and also includes an independent audit of stop and search data.

All 23 recommendations made in the Phase 1 report have now been completed.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Derek Penman said: “In our Phase 1 report we recommended a move towards legislative stop and search along with improvements in recording, training, supervision and audit which would give communities across Scotland more confidence in the use of this important operational policing tactic.”

“Since our Phase 1 report was published, Police Scotland has delivered substantial improvements in the way it conducts, records and monitors all of its stop and search activity.

“The number of recorded stop searches by police officers has decreased significantly, with the majority now using legislative powers. Seizures of items, including alcohol are recorded separately and provides more accurate information on stop and search activity.

“There is also far greater transparency through the publication of stop and search data on the Police Scotland website, which creates new opportunities for external scrutiny.”

Significant national developments have been driven by the Independent Advisory Group on Stop and Search. This includes new legislation and the development of a Code of Practice for stop and search which, subject to parliamentary approval, will come into effect later this year and bring consensual stop and search to an end.

Police Scotland has developed a national training programme, which is being rolled out across Scotland to prepare officers for the implementation of the new code. This includes clear principles around when police officers can use stop and search powers, along with helpful guidance on the stop and search of children and vulnerable adults.