Residents across Lancashire are being urged to have their say on the use of police stop and search powers.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has already conducted an investigation into how police forces are using the powers – and now the Home Office wants to get the views of the public.
It is a move which has been welcomed by Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, who wants residents to take this chance to make their feelings known about the use of stop and search in the county.
“Stop and search is an important tool for the police, and I know Lancashire Constabulary is working hard to ensure the power is used fairly and effectively,” he commented.
“Using it properly is essential to maintain public confidence in policing, and previous surveys in the county have shown 77 per cent of respondents feel stop and search makes Lancashire a safer place.
“But it is important to continually assess how the county’s residents feel about the use of the power, and the impact it is having on trust and confidence – particularly among young people and those from minority ethnic communities.
“And that’s why I hope as many residents as possible will complete the survey on my website, so we can send a clear response to HMIC from the county.”
The survey concerns the powers used by police in relation to street crime, burglary, anti-social behaviour and public order offences such as riots and violent protests.
The Home Office consultation will run for six weeks.
• To give your views log onto www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/Get-Involved/Surveys,-Questionnaires–Polls.aspx