Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) has today (Thursday, 22nd September) published the results of a revisit inspection report into the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme which confirms that Cheshire Constabulary is now complying with this.
HMIC's 2015 legitimacy inspection - which examined all 43 forces in England and Wales on whether they operate fairly, ethically and within the law, how they engage with their communities and their use of stop and search and tasers - found that Cheshire Constabulary was not complying with four features of the scheme.
A report of the 2015 inspection published in February 2016 stated "Too many of the stop and search records we examined did not contain sufficient reasonable grounds for conducting the search, and it was clear that Cheshire is not complying with the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme."
The report continued "In particular, we found no evidence to suggest that the constabulary was undertaking analysis to understand why black, Asian and minority ethnic people were disproportionately affected by stop and search in Cheshire."
The revisit was carried out between 24 June 2016 and 5 August 2016, and included a review of your website, force documentation and consultation with relevant staff.
Today, Michael Cunningham, HM Inspector of Constabulary, confirmed that the recent assessment found that the force is now complying with all features of the scheme.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said "I welcome the announcement today by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary that Cheshire is now fully compliant with the 'Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme'. As a force, this is an issue that we have taken extremely seriously since it was highlighted in our inspection.
"Stop and Search is a vital power for the police service to protect people and reduce and deter criminality in the local community. It is imperative that we apply our powers to individuals in a fair and legitimate way and that our actions are monitored to give the public confidence in how we use stop and search in Cheshire.
"Over the past six months a key area of focus has been to raise awareness and improve training for officers to ensure they fully understand the grounds required for stop and search, and that they record sufficient information to justify the use of this power."
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire David Keane said: "It is my job as Commissioner to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure stop and search powers are used appropriately. The public can be reassured that the Constabulary has improved its position since the inspection. It is addressing the issues raised by HMIC and improving the way it works. I am pleased to see the progress that has been made and I will continue to monitor the situation, and challenge the Chief Constable as necessary, to ensure this continues.
"The Constabulary has improved public scrutiny in this area. This includes recruiting a panel of lay observers to see first-hand the work carried out by officers and to feedback on this to the Strategic Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel, which meets on a quarterly basis, to explain to local community groups how it is using stop and search powers, and to provide channels for the public to raise any issues – positive or negative – with the Constabulary.
"The Stop and Search Ride Along Scheme is an opportunity for Cheshire residents to gain a real insight into the work of the Constabulary and provides an opportunity to speak to officers and staff about what goes on in their neighbourhood, and I encourage members of the public to sign-up to this scheme."
Click here to view the HMIC's letter confirming Cheshire Constabulary's reassessment.
