Harrow Police: stop and search is 'effective tool' (From Harrow Times)

Harrow Police: stop and search is 'effective tool'

12:39pm Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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POLICE have defended their use of stop and search following accusations the powers are used disproportionately on black people.

Officers in the borough searched almost five times as many black people as white people in 2008 to 2009, according to statistics published by watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Carolyn Freeman, a spokesman for the Met, acknowledged excessive use of the powers can damage its relationship with the community but said their use is driven by intelligence.

She said: “We continually emphasise to officers that stop and search should be carried out tactfully, sensitively and professionally at all times, and there is targeted, specific training for all officers on the use of stop and search powers.”

She added: “The MPS believes that stop and search remains a highly effective tool in preventing and detecting crime.”

She told the Harrow Times the police monitor the use of stop and search and work with the community to ensure support for their tactics.