London Mayor Sadiq Khan to crack down on ‘unfair’ stop-and-search by police
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has promised to address disproportionate stop-and-search practices after a report found that Black Londoners are 3.4-times more likely to be stopped and searched than White Londoners.
This data stems from the largest ever research project conducted on the police’s use of Stop and Search, which was the product of the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and King’s College London working together with community representatives.
The report found that the disproportionality in Stop and Search rose to Black Londoners being 48-times more likely to be stopped in certain areas.
The grounds used to stop and search Black Londoners where also found to be more vague and and subjective than those used for White Londoners.
For example, the report said White Londoners were more likely to be stopped and searched when they admitted to being in possession of an item, admitted to drug possession, or were seen stealing. Black Londoners were reportedly more likely to be stopped when wearing concealing clothing or being in a high-crime area.
Areas where disproportionately in Stop and Search was reported to be highest included East Sheen in Richmond, Dulwich Village, and Hampstead Town.
Khan addressed the findings of the report by condemning the disproportionality of Stop and Search, acknowledging that it was “unfair” and should be more transparent.
To this end, he annoucned a regular annual report of how the practice is conducted, although he stressed it remains a vital practice for London policing.
“Stop and Search is a vital policing tool. Done well, it stops those intent on causing harm and fear in our communities and takes dangerous weapons and drugs off our streets and ultimately saves lives,” he said.
“But when done badly and unfairly, it harms community confidence and trust and damages the partnership and community relationships so important to policing by consent and keeping Londoners safe.”
“The use of Stop and Search must be more transparent and accountable to deliver a safer and fairer London for all. We have to get the use of this power right in London, as lives and community confidence depend on it,” Khan said.
