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Last Updated: Thursday, 20 May, 2004, 13:07 GMT 14:07 UK
Stop-and-search 'racism' must end
Black people are more likely to be stopped than white people
Police chiefs in London are being told their controversial stop-and-search tactics are racist.
A report by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) claims the practice is "influenced by racial bias".
It said black people in London are four more times likely to be stopped than white people.
The MPA's scrutiny review panel wants officers to work with communities for a more "intelligence led approach".
The report recommends Met Commissi
ner Sir John Stevens publicly acknowledges "that if racial bias exists in the use of stop-and-search powers, he gives a commitment that the practice will be eliminated".
It has trampled
on
he rights of too many Londoners
MPA report
The MPA began is review in January 2003 and too
k evidence from, among others, the Met, community groups, and the Commission for Racial Equality.
Cecile Wright, chairwoman of the scrutiny panel and equal opportunities and diversity board, said: "We concluded the negative and disproportionate impact of the present stop-and-search rates couldn't be tolerated in London.
"The cost of current practice, both in police and community relations and resources, is simply too great.
"It is imperative that swift and effective implementation of the actions we proposed be taken."
'Bad apples'
According to the report, the stop-and-search rates of black people in London increased by 30% be
tween 2001 - 2002.
Cecile Wright wants swift action to improve stop and search
For Asian people it rose by 41% but for white people it increased by 8%.
The Met told the panel th
at while i
t was acknowledged there might br the odd "bad apple", it did not engage in "racial profiling" or treat minorities differently.
The MPA agreed that the
force "has made massive efforts and expended considerable resources to ensure a non discriminatory service".
But in a damning conclusion, the report added: "The present practice has increased the level of distrust of our police.
Home office review
"It has created deeper racial tensions and antagonism against the police.
"It has increased the level of cynicism regarding the law. It has increased the level of scepticism about police officer credibility.
"It has trampled on the rights of too many Londoners. It has cut off valuable sources of community inf
ormation and criminal intelligence.
"The scrutiny panel is forced to conclude by the evidence presented that stop and search practice continues to be influenced by racial bias." <b
r>
Among the ot
her proposals, it calls on the Home Office to conduct a "critical evaluation" on the effectiveness of stop-and-search as a police tactic.
It also suggests that community groups work to inform people of their rights concerning the
practice.
madkins
Last Updated: Thursday, 20 May, 2004, 13:07 GMT 14:07 UK
Stop-and-search 'racism' must end
Black people are more likely to be stopped than white people
Police chiefs in London are being told their controversial stop-and-search tactics are racist.
A report by the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) claims the practice is "influenced by racial bias".
It said black people in London are four more times likely to be stopped than white people.
The MPA's scrutiny review panel wants officers to work with communities for a more "intelligence led approach".
The report recommends Met Commissi
ner Sir John Stevens publicly acknowledges "that if racial bias exists in the use of stop-and-search powers, he gives a commitment that the practice will be eliminated".
It has trampled
on
he rights of too many Londoners
MPA report
The MPA began is review in January 2003 and too
k evidence from, among others, the Met, community groups, and the Commission for Racial Equality.
Cecile Wright, chairwoman of the scrutiny panel and equal opportunities and diversity board, said: "We concluded the negative and disproportionate impact of the present stop-and-search rates couldn't be tolerated in London.
"The cost of current practice, both in police and community relations and resources, is simply too great.
"It is imperative that swift and effective implementation of the actions we proposed be taken."
'Bad apples'
According to the report, the stop-and-search rates of black people in London increased by 30% be
tween 2001 - 2002.
Cecile Wright wants swift action to improve stop and search
For Asian people it rose by 41% but for white people it increased by 8%.
The Met told the panel th
at while i
t was acknowledged there might br the odd "bad apple", it did not engage in "racial profiling" or treat minorities differently.
The MPA agreed that the
force "has made massive efforts and expended considerable resources to ensure a non discriminatory service".
But in a damning conclusion, the report added: "The present practice has increased the level of distrust of our police.
Home office review
"It has created deeper racial tensions and antagonism against the police.
"It has increased the level of cynicism regarding the law. It has increased the level of scepticism about police officer credibility.
"It has trampled on the rights of too many Londoners. It has cut off valuable sources of community inf
ormation and criminal intelligence.
"The scrutiny panel is forced to conclude by the evidence presented that stop and search practice continues to be influenced by racial bias." <b
r>
Among the ot
her proposals, it calls on the Home Office to conduct a "critical evaluation" on the effectiveness of stop-and-search as a police tactic.
It also suggests that community groups work to inform people of their rights concerning the
practice.
madkins