Stop and Search

The force has a commitment to becoming more open and transparent. Part of this is being better at sharing and engaging on some of the powers that our police officers use to keep people safe, and that includes Stop and Search.

We believe that greater scrutiny will further ensure that our use of these is right and proper.

What are we searching for?

Our key focus this quarter has been on targeting the threat from organised crime and associated criminality linked to drug supply, acquisitive crime and harm from weapons.

There was a number of incidents involving weapons and assaults where weapons were used or reported. In this period, theft from shops was also a concern, and this is often linked to drug use and habitual drug users.

Just over 70 per cent of our searches related to drugs, which the community continues to tell us is one of their key concerns.

Our officers continue to utilise proportionate  and appropriate stop and search powers, to keep people safe, prevent crime and to build trust and maintain public confidence.

Is our use of Stop and Search in Gosport proportionate?

In the last quarter, the data showed people of mixed race were 1.2 times more likely to be stopped.

Our Independent Advisory Group (IAG) reviews and challenges policing practises in a constructive way, including our use of Stop and Search. This helps us improve our service to the public.  Internally, we also regularly scrutinise our use of police powers so we learn and improve.

Where can I find more information about Stop & Search in Gosport?

You can see more about the numbers by looking at the infographic, below. We have also provided the same data in a different format if that is easier for you.

Where can I find the data from previous quarters in Gosport?

If you want to view previous quarterly data for the Gosport district, then you can find that here.