Legal
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StopWatch responds to HMIC Report on current use of stop and search powers
HMIC report has found slow to no progress on transparency, guidance and fairness in the use of stop and search powers across the UK since the Home Secretary's promise for reform. StopWatch welcomes these criticisms, and asks: isn't it time for primary legislation? Read more »
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NGOs call on Home Office to push through reforms on strip search and police traffic stops
Release and StopWatch welcome police watchdog’s recommendations on stop and search but more needs to be done Read more »
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StopWatch response to Home Office Consultation on Draft PACE Code A concerning Stop and Search
On 26th August 2014, the Home Secretary announced that all 43 police forces in England and Wales had signed up to the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme and also announced a consultation on proposed changes to PACE Code A, which concerns police powers to stop and search suspects among other matters. StopWatch responds to the Consultation on the Draft Code of Practice today. Read more »
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StopWatch’s Submission to the Home Office Consultation on Schedule 7 Code of Practice
Read StopWatch's submission to the Home Office public consulation on a new code of practice for schedule 7. Read more »
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An Uphill Struggle for Police Accountability
Guest blogger Joanna Fleck discusses the challenges of obtaining a stop and search receipt after the event and questions why these requests are having to be made under the Data Protection Act. Read more »
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StopWatch Strategy Day 2014
Here's StopWatch intern Seth Maynard's account of our annual Strategy Day which took place in January. Read more »
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Section 60: a most draconian stop-and-search law that plays to police prejudice
"With no 'reasonable suspicion' required, black people are 23 times more likely to be targeted. The courts must address this" argues Rachel Taylor. Read more »
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How I came to see drug policy as an anti-racist issue
Having joined Release from an anti-racist background, I only ever understood tackling the ethnic disproportionality that exists in stop and search within a framework of challenging police and societal prejudice. The government held a public consultation on stop and search over the summer and its response is due to be published by the end of the year. Our report on racial disparities in the policing of drugs in the UK has me convinced that changing our drug laws are integral to ensuring stop and search powers are used fairly. Here’s why. Read more »
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StopWatch Response to the Home Office Consultation
Neither the Home Office nor senior police officers are exercising effective strategic oversight in the use of stop and search. Today, we submit an 80 page report to the government that reviews the law and practice on stop and search and makes wide-ranging recommendations for change. Read more »
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Notes on the use of Stop and Account in the West Midlands
What's the difference between 'stop and account' and 'stop and search'? What is the situation in the West Midlands? StopWatch member Professor Lee Bridges explains. Read more »