Doubts cast over stop and search tactics

Evaluation of project highlights “confusion” and “bad feelings”

Consensual stop and search powers are not effective in preventing crime and should only be used as a “last resort”, according to a new report.

Researchers at Dundee University and Edinburgh’s Napier University spent several months evaluating the stop and search scheme piloted by Police Scotland in Fife last year.

While many parts of the trial were hailed as best practice, a joint report has suggested the force should consider ending non-statutory stop and search.

“Those searched continued to complain about ‘random’ searches during the trial, suggesting that even with the pilot’s methods of making the option to refuse a consensual search explicit and the advice slips provided by officers, confusion and resulting bad feelings remain,” explained Dr Megan O’Neill, from Dundee University.

“In light of this, we would suggest Police Scotland move to a position of using legislative searches only. Only these can truly be ‘targeted’ at the right people, right place and right time, thereby enhancing accountability and public confidence, two key aims of the pilot.”

Elements introduced in the pilot included sending letters to parents of children stopped to make them aware of the event and providing leaflets to everyone stopped. But the academic report claimed more stop and search, even with the good practice identified, will not stop crime or anti-social behaviour alone.

The report added that local knowledge is “essential” if the pilot is to be rolled out nationwide and recommended improved face-to-face training for officers.

Fife Division’s Chief Superintendent Garry McEwan said the pilot aimed to ensure the use of stop and search was “lawful, ethical, proportionate and effective” and added last night: “We will now carefully consider the findings of this report which will inform our ongoing improvement plan.”