Black people are more likely to be stopped and searched by police in Brent
Black people are more likely to be stopped and searched in Brent - Credit: Archant
You were more likely to be stopped and searched by police officers in Brent last year if you are black, official figures reveal.
Data from the Met shows 7,700 black people were searched by police compared to 5,200 of their white counterparts between February 2013 to March this year.
However black people make up under 20 per cent of the population in the borough, according to the 2011 Census.
The number of people who were stopped and searched in the Asian community, which contributes to 33 per cent of Brent’s population, and other ethnic groups, were 2,733 and 1, 866.
Stop and search, which seen as one of the most controversial powers in policing, allows officers to stop someone if they reasonably suspect the individual was carrying a weapon, or illegal drugs stolen property or something that can be used to commit a crime.
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The Met has been accused of targeting ethnic minorities, with official figures showing that non-white people are up to seven times more likely to be stopped and searched in London.
Theresa May, Home Secretary, announced plans to provide more guidance and in a bid to tackle unfair and unwarranted searches.
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Speaking in front of Parliament last week, the Conservative MP, said: “The revised code will emphasise that where officers are not using their powers properly they will be subject to formal performance or disciplinary proceedings.
“Nobody wins when stop and search is misapplied. It is a waste of police time. It is unfair, especially to young, black men. It is bad for public confidence in the police.”
Commander Adrian Hanstock, the Met’s lead for stop and search, said: “Our work with communities and monitoring groups is helping to ensure we are more transparent than ever in how stop and search helps to reduce crime and keep people safe.
“We welcome the new package of measures announced by the Home Secretary, but we of course recognise there is much more to do to improve confidence across all communities in the use of the powers.”
