Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
The Met has published a new Stop and Search Charter, shaping the future of how one of policing’s most effective but contentious tactics is used in London.
The charter, which was co-produced with communities, is the product of a year and a half of engagement with more than 8,500 Londoners of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. It is the first time a set of formal commitments on how stop and search is carried out has been agreed to and published in this way.
Over the past four years, 17,500 weapons were seized as a result of stop and search, including at least 3,500 in 2024. Polling shows that up to 68 per cent of Londoners, including young Londoners, support its use.
But that support varies depending on who is asked. Many Black Londoners, for example, have told us that stop and search creates tensions between their communities and the police. However, people living in those same communities, which are often among those that suffer most from serious violence and drug-related crime, also tell us that they want us to do more to keep them safe.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Stop and search is a critical policing tool. Done well, it stops those intent on causing death, injury and fear in our communities. It takes dangerous weapons and drugs off our streets and in doing so, it saves lives.
“Done badly, it has the potential to burn through trust with those we are here to protect, undermining our founding principle of ‘policing by consent’ and damaging our efforts to keep the public safe.
“The charter is not about doing less stop and search. It is about doing it better by improving the quality of encounters, informed by the views of the public it is intended to protect.
“Many of our officers already use their powers in this area very well. They show empathy, they de-escalate and they understand the impact that being stopped and searched can have. They do all that while still recovering dangerous weapons and seizing drugs.
“The charter commits us to supporting all our officers, through improved training, more supervision and better access to technology, so they can meet that high standard their colleagues are setting.
“It also gives the community a greater role in the oversight of how, when and where stop and search is used which we hope will help to build trust in a policing tactic that, so often, has been at the root of mistrust.”
The creation of a Stop and Search Charter was recommended by Baroness Casey in her 2023 review into the culture and standards of the Metropolitan Police.
The extensive engagement that led to its publication included events held in all 32 London boroughs, three events at New Scotland Yard and open public online sessions.
The themes that emerged from those engagement events were tested against a wider audience of 8,500 Londoners in a series of surveys.
The final writing of the charter was led by 80 young people aged between 16 and 23 who were invited to New Scotland Yard to interpret feedback and bring the document together. The charter uses as much of their language and phrasing as possible, in particular where the ‘community expectation’ under each commitment is set out.
Sir Mark added:“If we are to take the fight to those intent on causing serious violence, fear and intimidation across London then stop and search must form part of that effort. If we allow its contentious nature and the concerns associated with it to force us into doing less of it, then only the criminals win.
“This charter is particularly powerful because it has been written with communities. We’re immensely grateful to all who stepped forward to work with us. We are committed to this change and to further rebuilding trust by continuing the conversations that have made it possible so far.”
The charter includes the following commitments:
A focus on the quality of stop and search encounters
The MPS will commit to making sure that officers do Stop and Search with professionalism, showing basic forms of respect. Communication and tone are important and the MPS will make sure that officers understand what it feels like to be searched, build relationships with the community and make sure that other officers step in if not done correctly.
Improved training for officers
The MPS will commit to improving training so that officers better understand their local community, especially those with protected characteristics. It will train officers to improve communication so it is more professional and empathetic and make sure that officers are confident in de-escalation, humility and delivering GOWISELY*.
*GOWISELY is a mnemonic used by officers which represents the minimum information to be given during a stop and search. It stands for Grounds for the search, Object/s being searched for, Warrant card to be shown (if the officer isn’t in uniform or if it is requested), Identity of the officer (eg name and shoulder number), Station the officer is based at, Entitlement to a record of the search, Legal power used for the search, making clear that You (the person who has been stopped) are detained for the purpose of a search.
Improved supervision for officers
The MPS will commit to a more robust supervision process and a generally more holistic and inclusive approach to Stop and Search. It will conduct regular and random reviews of Stop and Searches and ensure the consequences for poor Stop and Search are effective and allow for progression and change.
Improved handling of complaints
The MPS will commit to making sure the complaints process is clearly communicated and accessible to everyone. It will prevent internal bias by ensuring the community are involved with decision making in the complaints process and provide accessible statistics that clearly show how different people are affected.
Better use of technology
The MPS will commit to improving its use of technology to make data and processes more accessible, make feedback easier and explore the possible use of artificial intelligence to identify trends.
Enhanced independent governance and scrutiny
The MPS will commit to independent and consistent community involvement in governance and scrutiny.
Community involvement in where, when and why stop and search is being used
The MPS will commit to working with local communities to regularly discuss when and where Stop and Search is being used. They must listen to the concerns of the community and explain why it is being used to reduce fear and show that it is being used fairly and without prejudice.
Achieving a better public understanding of stop and search
The MPS will commit to educating all Londoners of all ages by way of different communication streams on their rights, the correct process, the reason behind each Stop and Search and raise awareness in general on the power.
A copy of the charter document is attached to this press release.
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