GUEST COLUMN


STOP & SEARCH IN NEIGHBOURHOOD


POLICING


Within the delicate balance neighbourhood policing aims to strike, one of the most debated tools in modern policing is Stop and Search, writes guest columnist Steve Dodd, former South Wales Police detective constable


Neighbourhood policing is the visible face of law enforcement, balancing the safety of citizens with the preservation of individual freedoms. It is a world where officers walk the beat, engage with residents, and tackle anti-social behaviour on our high streets. The protection of the public has always been the foremost duty of the state,


combines proactive crime prevention with community engagement, aiming


“Neighbourhood policing


thrives on trust. Officers on foot patrol are not just enforcing the law—they are forming the bonds that underpin community support.”


and it is through policing that this duty is most keenly felt. Neighbourhood policing


38 | POLICE | JUNE | 2026


to maintain trust while addressing local concerns. Amid these efforts, Stop


and Search remains a powerful yet contentious tactic, drawing scrutiny from policymakers, community leaders, and the public alike. In recent decades, the use of Stop and Search has fluctuated, reflecting shifts in law enforcement strategy and public attitudes. From over 1.5 million searches in 2009 to just over half a million in recent years, the tool


continues to generate debate. Critics argue it can erode trust in the police,


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