Federation will work with Force on stop and search

2 March 2021

Humberside Police Federation will work with the Force on issues surrounding the use of stop and search on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups, says chair Pete Musgrave.

Pete believes the tactic can help prevent crime and save lives, but said officers needed the highest standards of training and support.

He was speaking as Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams published a comprehensive report on the disproportionate use of police powers with a spotlight on stop and search and use of force.

In 2019/20, people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds were over four times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people, according to the report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

It also estimated there were reasonable grounds for stop and search encounters in 81.7 per cent of cases – down from 94 per cent in 2017.

Ms Williams said: “Over 35 years on from the introduction of stop and search legislation, no force fully understands the impact of the use of these powers. Disproportionality persists and no force can satisfactorily explain why.”

The report highlighted good practice by Humberside Police. This included extending stop and search training to include senior officers who oversee officer deployment decisions, increasing their understanding when directing operational activity.

The report also highlighted additional training to neighbourhood police officers to give them a better understanding of people who are travellers, Roma, refugees or homeless.

And Pete said: “Stop and search is a valuable policing tool that has taken weapons off the streets, prevented crime and saved lives. However, it has to be used proportionately if we’re to retain the support of our communities.

“While it’s pleasing to see the report highlight areas of best practice within Humberside Police, it also highlights what needs to be improved.

“We’ll work with the Force to ensure our colleagues have the training, supervision and review practices they need so that they have the confidence to use powers proportionately and appropriately.”

Reacting to the report, Paul Odle, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Black Asian Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group, which this month became part of the HMICFRS External Reference Group on diversity and inclusion, said: “PFEW is fully committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination through community education, awareness and by listening to colleagues and the communities we serve. 

“PFEW’s Black Asian Minority Ethnic and BAME Belief Group is part of an ongoing, important conversation on this subject, and we are dedicated to developing a greater cultural understanding around stop and search.”