Stop and Search
Stop and search is an important power used by the police to prevent crime. However, it is also an intrusive power, and it is vital for confidence in policing that Londoners know that it is being used in an intelligence-led, proportionate and respectful way. We work with communities to help them to hold the MPS to account for the properly targeted use of stop and search powers so individuals being stopped and searched are always treated with dignity and respect.
Communities have a vital role to play in ensuring the Metropolitan Police are accountable for the way they use their stop and search powers. In London, we support a network of volunteer Community Monitoring Groups, with one in each of London's Boroughs.
These Groups can monitor all local stop and search issues including the numbers of stops, arrest rates, disproportionality, complaints and body worn video. They can also identify and share best practice with other Community Monitoring Groups through the London Community Monitoring Network (CMN) which is facilitated by MOPAC.
Community Monitoring Groups:
- Provide a local, borough-based mechanism to monitor police use of stop and search powers.
- Provide a place for the local community to engage in discussion and debate on police use of stop and search, its outcomes and its impact.
- Give a voice to local community members and vulnerable groups who are subject to stop and search, particularly those perceived, or identifying themselves to be disproportionately affected.
- Share information and best practice with other boroughs and the wider community.
Read about the work of the Islington Stop and Search Community Monitoring Group.
Notes of the Stop and Search Community Monitoring Network are provided below. You can also read the Network's Terms of Reference.
Notes of January 2020 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of March 2020 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of April 2020 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of September 2020 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of November 2020 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of March 2021 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of June 2021 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of September 2021 Community Monitoring Network meeting
Notes of November 2021 Community Monitoring Network meeting
MOPAC has also produced a presentation and speaking notes to outline how stop and search is monitored.
Working with young Londoners, we have produced a short leaflet explaining the reasons why a police officer might stop and search you, your rights when you are stopped, and answering some of the most frequently asked questions about stop and search.
Download the leaflet. Pocket-sized card versions are also available on request.
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