Legal News

Police officers who make unnecessary stop and searches will face a community panel if a member of the public complains – and will have to apologise face-to-face to the complainant.

The measures introduced on Monday (18/08/15) also include complainants being allowed to accompany police officers on routine patrols to see how the police operate.

The Daily Mail reports that making police apologise for unnecessary stop and search checks will help reduce the number of checks made which prove unfounded.

Police officers may also be stripped of their powers to carry out stop and search under the new measures. It is reported that Northampton Constabulary has already used this sanction on eight occasions.

The Home Office has announced that if the community panels prove successful, every police force in England and Wales will set up a panel comprising senior police leaders and at least two members of the public. The panels will specifically address complaints about stop and search, which should only be used if a police officer believes that violence or a criminal act is about to take place.

The police and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire, Adam Simmonds devised the new apology scheme.

Mr Simmonds said:


“Stop and search is an important part of policing. It helps catch criminals and offers protection to the public. But it must be used responsibly if the public are to continue to have trust in the police.

“Police officers who carry out stop and searches must use their powers responsibly and be accountable for their actions. If an officer fails to follow the correct procedures, he or she must face the consequences.”

It is thought that 27% of stop and searches cannot be justified.


Duncan Lewis Criminal Lawyers

Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers can advise at any stage of a criminal charge – and are also able to advise on civil liberties matters, such as inappropriate use of stop and search, wrongful arrest, false imprisonment or unnecessary force used by police.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our specialist criminal defence lawyers can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within 45 minutes.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis criminal lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.