GUEST COLUMN


while supporters see it as an essential weapon against crime.


THE ROLE AND CONTROVERSY OF STOP & SEARCH Stop and Search has long been one of policing’s most scrutinised tactics. Under legislation such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, officers can search individuals if they have reasonable suspicion that they carry stolen or prohibited items. Additional powers stem from the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, the Terrorism Act 2000, and more recent laws like the Public Order Act 2023.


STATISTICS PLACE THE ISSUE IN CONTEXT:


in 2021–22, children in England and Wales were stopped nearly 95,000 times, resulting in just over 8,500 arrests. Annual figures for 2025 show 528,582 stops, with 78,746 resulting in arrests. For many, these numbers reflect the dual reality of Stop and Search: it can remove dangerous items from the streets, but it can also feel like a personal intrusion. Public perception of Stop and Search


has often been shaped by history. Incidents such as Operation Swamp 81 and the Brixton riots remain in the collective memory, as do the debates that followed about police accountability and community relations. Modern parallels can be seen in reactions to anti- immigration riots of 2024 or discussions around newer technologies like Live Facial Recognition, which has found greater acceptance thanks to clear communication strategies.


BUILDING COMMUNITY COHESION Neighbourhood policing thrives on


trust. Officers on foot patrol are not just enforcing the law—they are forming the bonds that underpin community support. Informal conversations, local problem- solving, and gathering community


“Stop and Search, while sometimes divisive, must be applied in a way that reassures rather than alienates.”


intelligence all contribute to a sense of shared responsibility for safety. Chief Constable Sir Robert Mark’s words from 1977 still resonate: the effectiveness of policing depends on public goodwill, and goodwill grows through understanding. Modern initiatives like the Neighbourhood Guarantee Programme (NPG) and the continued use of Community Scrutiny Panels echo earlier efforts to ensure policing is conducted by consent, not coercion. Statistical trends reinforce the urgency of these efforts. Crimes such as shoplifting, robbery, and anti-social behaviour remain pressing concerns, with reports showing significant increases in violence and abuse against retail workers. The National Business Crime Centre and the British Retail Consortium both highlight strong public demand for visible policing, with over 80% of respondents in recent surveys asking for more officers on the streets. Community cohesion relies on


dialogue and collaboration. Stop and Search, while sometimes divisive, must be applied in a way that reassures rather than alienates. When residents see their local officers as allies, not adversaries, information flows freely, and the fight against crime gains a critical edge.


STOP & SEARCH AS CRIME PREVENTION Beyond its investigative use, Stop and Search serves as a pre-emptive measure, deterring potential offenders and supporting the wider goals of neighbourhood policing. By identifying and intercepting individuals suspected of carrying weapons or stolen property, officers can prevent crimes before they occur. However, this proactive approach requires a careful balance. Heavy- handed use of Stop and Search


risks damaging the very trust that makes neighbourhood policing effective. Officers must weigh the reassurance offered by their presence against the possibility of alienating the communities they serve. Local intelligence is the foundation of effective policing. Understanding the unique character, concerns, and networks of each neighbourhood allows officers to act with precision and sensitivity. This knowledge is invaluable not only for solving crimes but also for fostering the public confidence that keeps streets safer. In the end, Stop and Search is only as effective as the relationships that underpin it. When applied judiciously, it can deter crime, protect the vulnerable, and contribute to safer, more cohesive communities. But its success depends on the ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and mutual respect between the police and the public. Neighbourhood policing, supported by


tools like Stop and Search, stands at the intersection of public safety and personal liberty. Its greatest strength lies in the trust it builds, the intelligence it gathers, and the prevention it enables. In today’s policing landscape, the challenge remains the same as it was decades ago: to keep our streets safe while serving our communities.


39 | POLICE | JUNE | 2026


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