Met launches Stop and Search charter survey

The Metropolitan police has launched a survey to seek the views of Londoners on stop and search.

The survey will ask questions about what people think about stop and search practices. The responses will be used to inform a charter between local communities and the Met.

Through the New Met for London plan, the force is aiming to reset its relationship with London's communities.

The Met claims that when done right, stop and search can be an effective tool, which enables officers to take 4,000 dangerous weapons off the streets every year.

However, when done poorly, the Met says that it can have a detrimental impact on the relationship between the police and local communities.

The online survey focuses on the public’s perception of stop and search, personal experiences of the tactic, training for officers, and what could be done better.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who leads the project, said: “A key part of our plan to reform the Met is to work closely with our communities, ensuring we police with their consent.

“Stop and search has always been a contentious issue. When used well it saves lives and is important in keeping Londoners safe, helping us identify criminality and take dangerous weapons like knives and firearms off our streets.

“I know some Londoners have a poor experience of stop and search and that has damaged the trust, confidence and co-operation of some communities. That distrust is higher in communities where stop and search powers are used most often, generally where violent crime, driven by a small minority, is highest.

“This is why we are taking the first steps to reset our approach. We want to hear from Londoners and create an agreement between the Met and the public on how we conduct stop and searches in the future.”

Image by Fungai Tichawangana from Pixabay