Go Wisely – everything you need to know about stop and search

For many people, being stopped and searched by a police officer will their first encounter with the police so its crucial that officers are professional and respectful when they use the tactic. The public also need to understand why the police use this tool, as well as what their rights are during a stop and search procedure.

The ‘Go Wisely – everything you need to know about Stop and Search’ DVD is intended to:

• explore what stop and search is for and why it’s controversial;
• inform the public of their rights when they are stopped or searched; and
• be part of an overall training package for the police in how to use stop and search appropriately.
• Watch an online version of the DVD
• Read a transcript of the DVD

It is intended that watching this DVD will encourage debate within communities, and between communities and their local police. This dialogue is crucial because stop and search tactics need to be both understood and trusted if they are to be effective. 

Members of the public can become more involved by joining a stop and search monitoring group in their local area.

The DVD has been produced by the Metropolitan Police Authority in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, the Safer London Foundation, Greater Manchester Police Authority and community groups in London and Manchester. The project benefited hugely from the input of the young people from the Met’s Youth Independent Advisory group and members of the London Community Monitoring Network, with contributions from Liberty, the Children’s Society and many others that helped ensure it provided a balanced picture. 

Please let us know what you think about this DVD by contacting stopandsearch@mpa.gov.uk

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback