Better use of stop and search

Police are set to face tougher restrictions on the use of stop and search powers and Calderdale is one of three districts leading the pilot on behalf of West Yorkshire Police.

This week West Yorkshire Police has launched two key elements of the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme. The voluntary scheme, announced by the Home Secretary in April, is designed to help significantly reduce the overall use of stop and search, deliver better and more intelligenceled stop and search, and improve stop-to-arrest ratios. It will also provide the public with further information on the outcome of searches and restrict the use of Section 60 “no suspicion” powers.

Calderdale District Commander, Chief Superintend- ent Angela Williams, said: “I welcome the fact that Calderdale is one of the pilot areas in West Yorkshire to implement a greater amount of scrutiny in the way stop and search powers are used. We recognise the importance using this legislation in a proportionate way and to be leading on a project with the potential to improve the way we use our stop and search powers is a positive step and one I’m pleased Calderdale is leading on.”