§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent representations he has received from police forces about recording of(a) stops, (b) searches and (c) stop and searches; [145024]
(2) what recent reports he has received about the deterrent impact of stop and search in inner city anti-robbery initiatives; [145098]
(3) what plans the Government have to revise Code A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; and if he will make a statement; [145017]
(4) what his policy is on police recording stop-only encounters, in accordance with Recommendation 61 of the MacPherson report; and if he will make a statement. [145081]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWork on taking forward the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry has been overseen by a Steering Group chaired by my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary. At its meeting on 21 November, the Lawrence Steering Group agreed to set up a sub-group to take forward further work on stop and search. The meeting also agreed that Recommendation 61 will be the subject of further consultation with the community via local police authorities, with the support of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Association of Police Authorities. The sub-group is due to report back to the Steering Group by Easter on the results of this consultation.
No research has been carried out specifically on the deterrent impact of stop and search on anti-robbery initiatives. The recent report by the Policing and Reducing Crime Unit "The Impact of Stop and Search on Crime and the Community" found little solid evidence that searches have a deterrent effect on crime. There is, however, some evidence that the very existence of stops may prevent crime, whether or not they involve searches. Although not investigated by this particular study, it is also possible that where searches are used intensively in particular location they may have a localised deterrence or displacement effect.
Code A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act will be revised to give officers clearer and more specific guidance on how stop and search powers should be used and to ensure that the rights of the public are properly protected. It is hoped to put a draft out to consultation in May.
113WSeveral forces have been closely involved in the programme of work to improve the effective use of the stop and search tactic. A number of forces have recently inquired about progress on the reform programme. A joint letter updating forces on this is to be issued shortly by the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers.