Stop & Search
Unexplainable disproportionality – Revisited
It seems that the reduction in levels of scrutiny, at the constabulary, over the last 12 months may be impacting Stop & Search outcomes in Gloucestershire.
You can use this link interrogate the Stop & Search data about Gloucestershire Constabulary. This official data when viewed by Ethnicity is shown, like so;
However, a stacked bar chart better shows** the extent of stop & search disproportionality which the Constabulary still seems unable to explain. The number of stop searches on ethnic non-white residents appears to have increased by 20% since we last checked in October 2021 (15.657 vs. 18.882).
It is also worth noting that in 75% of cases no further action is taken as a result of the search.
Stroud Against Racism still has no representation on the Scrutiny Panel, due to draconian confidentiality agreements.
So, I have written, on behalf of the group, to the Police & Crime Commissionaire. We have asked for a report into allegations of the use of racial profiling of school children relating to stop & search, which the group has been made aware of.
By treating our request for information as a complaint the Scrutiny Panel may not get an opportunity to scrutinise until a formal investigation has been completed.
Update (23/2/23): Given that the latest Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel minutes are from November 2022, it is difficult to monitor what's happening so I've asked for an update from the Chair of the panel.
Update (27/2/23): An unexpected twist from the Chair of the SSSP.
Update (14/11/23) ** Gavin Hales at the Police Foundation say I shouldn't stack the chart in this way! Best stick with the original presentation of the data. Thank-you Gavin for your unending patience and guidance with the Police data!