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The Equality and Human Rights Commission has yesterday ended its formal agreement with Thames Valley Police on its use of stop and search. The 18-month agreement was drawn up after the Commission found the police force was stopping and searching many more black and Asian people than other people.

The Commission agrees that Thames Valley Police has now met its criteria for improvement. The force has reduced the significant and persistent race differences in stop and search. In addition, its stop and search detection rates have gone up; and there is not any apparent adverse effect on crime levels.

The Commission will continue to monitor the progress of Thames Valley Police. It will also share good examples from its Stop and Think work with police forces across Britain.

John Wadham, General Counsel, Equality and Human Rights Commission says :

“We are greatly encouraged by the efforts of Thames Valley Police. The force’s results show that the police can use intelligence to better target stops and searches, with no apparent adverse effect on crime levels.
We hope their example will result in better policing, and, in turn, increased public confidence in the service.”

For more press information contact the Commission’s media office on 020 3117 0255, out of hours 07767 272 818.

For general enquiries please contact the Commission’s national helpline: England 0845 604 6610, Scotland 0845 604 5510 or Wales 0845 604 8810.

Notes to editors

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/key-projects/race-in-britain/stop-and-think/ The majority of stops and searches in England and Wales are conducted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006. It took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.  It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain.  It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.  The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. It encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act and is recognised by the UN as an ‘A status’ National Human Rights Institute.  It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.