Stephen Metcalfe MP has welcomed a six-week consultation on
changes to how police in England and Wales use stop-and-search powers and he is
inviting local people in South Basildon and East Thurrock to make their own
contribution.
Announcing the consultation Home Secretary Theresa May told
the House of Commons that around one million stop-and-searches take place each
year – but with only 9 per cent leading to an arrest.
She added that it takes an average of 16 minutes to conduct
a stop and search and process the details, amounting to 312,000 hours each year
- the equivalent of 145 full-time police officers.
In Essex 3,816 stop and searches were carried out in 2011/12
with 373 resultant arrests: an arrest rate of 10%. This compares to a national
rate of 9 per cent.
Welcoming the consultation, Mr Metcalfe said: “Police stop
and search powers are important in
the daily fight against crime, especially in combating gangs, knife crime and
drug offences.”
“But the powers
must be applied fairly and in a way that builds community confidence in the
police. When stop and search is misapplied, it can be a waste of police
time and public money.”
“I encourage local people in South Basildon and East
Thurrock to respond to the consultation so that their views and experiences can
be taken into account as the Government reviews these powers.”
For further information and to take part in the
consultation, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/stop-and-search
