Stop & Search: Could the Chief Constable please explain why the rate of stops and searches carried out under PACE and the Misuse of Drugs legislation has not reduced in recent years, contrary to the trend in England and Wales, and why the arrest rate following such arrests is so low compared with that in England and Wales? On a more general note can he also provide his views on the benefits of the range of stop and search powers, what learning points have arisen and what, if anything, he would change going forward?
Drug deaths concerning males in Northern Ireland have increased 98% in 10 years. In response to this and in line with Northern Ireland Policing Priorities, PSNI has prioritised enforcement activity in respect of illegal drugs. As part of the preventative approach PSNI will exercise their powers under Misuse of Drugs legislation where grounds exist to keep people safe.
Whilst England and Wales conduct fewer stop and search per head of 1,000 population, some of this will be a reflection on substantial resource reductions and they have a much higher crime rate than Northern Ireland. A recent policy change in Urban Centres has seen increased stop and search with a decrease in homicide by 40% in a short space of time providing some evidence that stop and search has a direct effect on crime.
PSNI do not measure arrest as an effective outcome as a result of stop and search. The Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 makes it clear that the primary purpose of stop and search is to enable officers to allay or confirm their suspicions without exercising their power of arrest.
Generally, PSNI feel there are a sufficient range of stop and search powers available to them to help keep people safe.
PSNI invited the College of Policing to review their stop and search practices, as a result of learning we have refreshed and delivered training to officers using stop and search powers in elements of procedural justice and unconscious bias. PSNI have also drafted its first stop and search policy which will be available for stakeholder consultation in the near future.
ACC Todd has recently discussed these matters with the Performance Committee of NIPB and will continue to do so in the months ahead.