MPA keen to lead in recording of stops - implementation of Stephen Lawrence Report Recommendation 61

100/02
07 October 2002

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, has written to the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, about the Met Police piloting, on a London wide basis, Recommendation 61 of the Macpherson Report (that all Stops should be recorded, not just Stop and Searches as is currently the case).

These trials are in no way comparable to so called 'Sus' searches. These searches were carried out under section 4 of the 1824 Vagrancy Act, which has since been repealed. Recommendation 61 of the Macpherson Report is intended to rebuild and reinforce confidence between community and police, whereas 'Sus' searches were recognised as creating tensions.

Toby Harris said:

“Comparisons between the old ‘Sus’ searches and piloting Recommendation 61 are dangerously muddled and misinformed. It is in everyone's interests - police and public alike - to be clear about what happens when a police officer stops a person the street.

“At present no record is taken and as a result those stopped often feel they have been unfairly treated. It is already the case that if someone is stopped and searched he or she must be given a reason, in writing, and a record is made so that police managers can ensure that this powerful tool is not being misused. By ensuring that Stops as well as Stops and Searches are carried out in a fairer way, with proper recording and monitoring, the new system aims to increase community confidence in the way the police operate.

”Sir William Macpherson strongly recommended that this should happen in his report into the killing of Stephen Lawrence. The MPA believes it is high time Recommendation 61 was put into practice, but we must have the technology in place to make sure it does not prove a crippling bureaucratic burden for individual officers. That is why I am seeking financial support from the Home Secretary.”

Under the new plans, Stops would be recorded electronically, therefore creating little extra paper work for police officers. People stopped would be given an electronic receipt with a reference number so that they could complain if they feel they have been treated unfairly.

Everyone is entitled to receive a slip if they are stopped, however an individual, (if they are aware of this right) may choose not the take the slip. This would not prevent the police officer completing the record of the Stop for performance monitoring purposes, in the same way that a Stop and Search slip is currently completed.

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