Police have been given the go-ahead to increase the use of stop-and-search measures
The home secretary Suella Braverman has told police leaders to “ramp up” the use of stop-and-search powers to prevent more knife attacks and “save more lives”.
In a message to all 43 forces in England and Wales, Suella Braverman said the “dangerous culture” of carrying weapons must end.
She also called on forces to publish bodycam footage quickly to stop police facing “trial by social media”.
However there has been criticism of the practice of stop and search, especially over the proportion of black men and boys – with one research paper describing it as a “rite of passage” for black boys.
Figures suggest that Black people are over seven times more likely to be stopped by police
Former Chief Constable of Greater Nanchester Sir Peter Fahy said on Twitter this morning
Stop and search is a vital police tactic but has to be part of a much broader strategy working with local people, schools, youth charities and crucially parents to address underlying causes of youth violence
