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Stop and search remains a hugely important police power for protecting the public, tackling crime and keeping our streets safe.
Stop and search must be used in a fair and effective way that supports public confidence and is independently scrutinised.
We do not underestimate the impact stop and search has on communities and individuals. We know that to maintain public confidence in its use, the power must be used in a fair and effective manner.
The main reason we use stop and search is to allow officers to investigate their suspicions about an individual without having to arrest them.
How effective stop and search is, is as much about avoiding unnecessary arrests as it is about a crime being detected.
The use of body worn video cameras help to reassure the public that their interactions with the police are recorded. The technology offers greater transparency for those in front of the camera as well as those behind it.
The cameras will allow officers to demonstrate the professionalism of officers, gather evidence and demonstrate their professionalism in the face of many challenges.
We believe a stop and search is most likely to be fair and effective when:
Our chief constable supports the use of stop and search in a fair and effective way that enhances public confidence and is independently scrutinised.
We will continue to work with our communities and stakeholders to improve the quality of interactions and ensure that stop and search continues to protect the public.
The Stop and Search Reference Group (SSRG) provides an independent view of the use of stop and search across Suffolk. It aims to ensure that the tool is used appropriately. The SSRG meets every two months and is run by the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE).
We work with the group to coordinate public scrutiny of our stop search practices, and provide redacted records for dip sampling six times a year.
Contact ISCRE by email to find out more about the group and how to get involved.