Stop and Search

As part of our efforts to continuously improve services to the communities of Staffordshire we have changed our stop and search procedures and practices to make it more fair and effective to help increase public confidence. Here is all you need to know about Stop and Search.

What are my rights?

• The officers searching you must use the stop and search powers fairly, responsibly and with respect for people without discriminating.
• If English is not your first language, and you do not understand why you have been stopped, reasonable steps must be taken to provide you with information in your own language.
• The officer must make sure that the search time is kept to a minimum.
• The search must take place near where you are stopped, except in instances where moving you would protect your privacy.
• The officer does not have the power to stop you in order to find grounds for a search.
• A more comprehensive guide to all your rights when you are stopped and searched is contained on the Home Office website.

Your right to complain

If you are unhappy with how you were treated, you can complain. You can also complain if you feel you were treated differently because of your race, age, sexuality, gender, disability, religion or faith. Click here for How to Make a Complaint.

What are my responsibilities?

Everyone has a civic duty to help police officers prevent crime and catch offenders. The fact that the police may have stopped someone does not mean they are guilty of an offence.

Apart from the inconvenience, people may feel irritated that they've been stopped when they haven't done anything wrong - that's completely understandable. However, the top or top and search will be much quicker if a person co-operates with police officers.

Don't forget that the stop or stop and search must be carried out according to strict rules - the police have responsibility to ensure that people's rights are protected. Everyone should expect to be treated fairly and responsibly.

In almost all cases, an individual should be offered a receipt of the stop and search at the time it happens (unless operational commitments prevent this). The police use these powers to help make the local community safer by disrupting crime - public co-operation is an essential part of that.

You will receive a receipt card if you wish. If your require a record of your stop and search this can be obtained by going to your local police station (for opening times).

You must have a form of ID with you. This can be for example:

• driving licence
• passport
• student ID card

You have three months from the stop and search to ask for a copy of the search.

We expect officers to be polite and respectful at all times and all stops and searches must be carried out with courtesy, consideration and respect. stop and search powers must only be used fairly, responsibly and without discrimination.

If you were unhappy with how you were treated, you can complain. You can also make a complaint if you feel you were treated differently because of your race, age, sexuality, gender, disability, religion or faith.

We value feedback - both positive and negative - as this helps us to identify the things we do well and any areas that we may need to improve. Visit Contact Us to make a complaint or commendation.

Alternatively, if you have any other feedback you would like to give us about a stop and search please use the Stop and Search Feedback form.

What is it?

This is a process which allows members of the community to access services such as:

• ask for a review
• to provide feedback
• to seek investigation
• to give reassurance as to the way Stop and Search is used in their community

The trigger is designed to ensure we work together to try and resolve any complaints or concerns. The trigger does not replace the complaints procedure, or your opportunity to complain to the Performance and Standards Unit or Independent Police Complaints Commission. It can be used by anyone who has been stopped and searched, anyone who has witnessed it, anyone who is reporting on behalf of another who has, or anyone who has concerns about the use of stop and search.

How do I trigger?

To use the community trigger you can either email Staffordshire Police, telephone 101 or if you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, key smsdeaf to 07929 302010, visit the Deaf SMS page or write a letter to:

The Force Stop and Search Working Group,
Staffordshire Police Headquarters,
Weston Road, Stafford,
ST18 0YY.

You will need to provide sufficient information to assess your concerns. You can report issues anonymously if you wish. If you have an ongoing complaint that is already being dealt with by Staffordshire Police, then contact should be made with the Performance and Standards Unit.

What can I expect?

The matter will be referred to the senior officer who chairs the Force Working Group on stop and search, who will assess the best method of addressing the issues raised. The issue may be passed to the Local Police Commander, to the Performance and Standards Unit, subject of a specific investigation, research or action. If you provide contact details then feedback will be given in all cases, and all issues reported via the community trigger process will be shared (subject to the removal of personal data) to the Local Policing Scrutiny panels to ensure further openness and community oversight.