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 stop search figures have seen a decrease over the last quarter, from 203 to 165. We often see a decrease for this period, due to a number of factors. Crime reporting traditionally drops, and the inclement weather has an impact, along with shorter daylight hours. This reduces the number of people out and about, including those with criminal intent.

Searches for drugs remain highest. Possession of cannabis remains an offence in the UK, and we will continue to deal with those found in possession, be that in their homes, cars or public places. Drug use has an impact on local communities, we know that the most vulnerable people in the community can be exploited as a result. The harm caused by drug abuse is often hidden. We also know that those who commit theft are often driven by their need to pay for their drug habit.

We continue to target offenders who habitually steal from shops with stolen goods being the second highest reason for a search being completed. 30.9% of the stop searches in the last quarter resulted in a positive outcome, this indicates that the right people are being targeted and our powers are being used lawfully.

Is our use of Stop and Search proportionate on the Isle of Wight?

While a black person is 8.1 times more likely to be stopped than a white person, this equates to four black people being stopped in a three month period.

To reassure both ourselves and the wider community our stop searches are reviewed by the local independent advisory group each quarter, disproportionality remains under constant scrutiny.

The census data takes no account of the population increase we see in the summer months as a really popular tourist destination. 

Where can I find more information about Stop & Search on the Isle of Wight?

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?

If you want to view data from previous quarters, then you can check out both the graphic and text-only versions of this below.

What is the Isle of Wight Independent Advisory Group (IAG) and what do they do?

Each quarter, members of our community meet as part of our IAG to discuss stop and search within the district and conduct a dip sample of searches to ensure they are lawful and proportionate.

Along with this, they will also take a look at locations where there have been a number of stops and individuals who have been stopped multiple times.

As part of our continued commitment to ensuring our use of the Stop and Search powers available to us and the scrutiny of this are transparent, we are now publishing notes from our IAG meetings.

These notes are anonymised, but we hope will help show what our group does. We are keen to broaden this group further and get the views of our community, in particular those with direct experience of stop and search.

If you wish to find out more or join our IAG, you can email [email protected]