CUMBRIA Constabulary have launched a new stop and search scheme.

The voluntary Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme was announced by the Home Secretary in April and is designed to reduce the number of stop and searches while increasing their effectiveness.

Cumbria Constabulary, along with 35 others nationawide, will be implementing all aspects of the scheme to increase transparency by recording all outcomes of stop and search and whether there is a connection between the grounds for the search and the outcome.

They hope to restrict the use of Section 60 “no suspicion” powers, give members of the public the opportunity to observe a stop and search in practice and introduce a community complaints trigger to ensure complaints are properly monitored and scrutinised.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Stop and search powers are vital in the fight against crime when used correctly. However, they must be applied fairly and only when needed – and in a way that builds community confidence rather than undermining it.

“Cumbria Constabulary are dedicated to reforming their use of stop and search powers, saving officers’ time and increasing transparency within the local community. I’m delighted they have now fully implemented the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.

“Stop and search reforms are working. The number of searches are down under this government, by 15% in the last year alone. But we cannot be complacent and must ensure that the public can hold the police to account for their use of these powers.” 

Chief Constable Jerry Graham said: “Cumbria Constabulary has made great strides in the past 18 months to increase the effectiveness of our stop and search encounters, this scheme will help us strengthen this improvement. It will also make data and the stop search processes more available to the public of Cumbria.

"This county remains one of the safest places to live and the use of our stop and search powers needs to be both proportionate, but effective.

"If the grounds are there to stop people, we will continue to robustly use this power to keep the residents of this county safe and reduce both crime and anti-social behaviour.

"People subject to stop and search will be dealt with fairly and without prejudice. I expect my officers to be as considerate and courteous as possible, whilst maintaining the public’s and their own safety.”

The Home Secretary will make clear to officers what constitutes "reasonable grounds for suspicion" and emphasise that the misuse of stop and search powers would lead to performance or disciplinary procedures when she addresses parliament later this week.