Stop and search/stop and account

Hampshire Constabulary carries out ‘stops’ to help prevent crime and make our communities safer, but it is important that this is done fairly and appropriately.

Did you know that a written record must be made every time a police officer or police community support officer stops someone and either searches them or asks them to account for themselves?

The need to record ‘stops’ was highlighted in the inquiry into the death of Stephen Lawrence, the aim of keeping these records is to allow the use of ‘stops’ to be monitored, making sure they are being carried out properly and without discrimination.

It is Hampshire Police Authority’s role to monitor stops carried out by Hampshire Constabulary and to make sure that if there is any discrimination involved – racial or otherwise – that action is taken to address this. It is also our role to ensure the public know their rights when it comes to being stopped.

If you would like to find out more please look at the 'frequently asked questions' section on this site or visit www.stopandsearch.com.

Know Your Rights - the campaign

As part of its commitment to appropriate use of ‘stops’ and the safety and fair treatment of Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents Hampshire Police Authority is taking part in the national ‘ Know your Rights’ campaign.

Leaflet

Credit card-sized leaflets available in a number of different languages can be downloaded from the Association of Police Authorities' website or are available by contacting the Police Authority on 01962 871595. Organisations are welcome to contact us if they would like a batch of leaflets to distribute.

You can contact the Police Authority to borrow copies of the leaflet in Braille and on audio cassette which are available on loan

Roadshows

Hampshire Police Authority is running a number of roadshow events where you can either just collect a leaflet to take away with you or talk to a member of the Police Authority staff about any concerns or issues you want to raise. The first event took place at the Pride of Place shop in Leigh Park as part of Youth Services Day on Friday 25 August 2006; and a further event was held on 23 October in Southsea, at Hovertravel Ltd on Clarence Esplanade.

Communication activity

Hampshire Police Authority has drawn up a strategy for the promotion of the 'Know Your Rights' campaign, which you can view here: communications strategy.

External links

(please note that any views or opinions expressed in external websites are not necessarily those of Hampshire Police Authority, its members or staff.)

Home Office - this page on the Home Office website provides information on stop and search powers relating to Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs)
Law 4 Today - there is a section about stop and search on this online legal service's website