The use of proxies has proven controversial, with critics saying it disproportionately targets black and minority ethnic communities. But the Interior Ministry says the government’s “first priority” must be “prevention and public safety.”
Suella Braverman has encouraged police chiefs to use stop and search powers more frequently to “seize dangerous weapons and prevent further knife attacks.”
The Home Secretary’s letter to 43 police chiefs has no direct impact on how officers act, as the police are operationally independent of the government.
But the latest intervention shows that the Home Office wants to see an increase in the number of officers using the controversial powers.
The latest in politics: Sturgeon speaks publicly for the first time since his arrest
There has been criticism of the practice of stop and frisk, especially over the ratio of black men to boys, with an investigative paper. describing it as a “rite of passage” for black children.
Government statistics suggest that black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people.
And campaign groups have previously warned that loosening restrictions on police use of power could exacerbate discrimination.
‘The first priority must be prevention and citizen security’
But Ms Braverman is “giving her full support” to the police method: the Home Office notes that in the 12 months to March 2022, 99 young people died due to knife crimes and 31 of those victims were black.
A Home Office spokesman says this shows that “black men are therefore disproportionately more likely to be killed by violence and knife crime.”
“While the government recognizes that black men are more likely to be stopped and frisked, our first priority must be prevention and public safety.”
Nearly 50,000 weapons have been seized during stops and searches since 2019, according to the Home Office, leading to more than 220,000 arrests.
Ms. Braverman also wants officers to “arrest and investigate” in cases where someone “illegally” obstructs officers from stopping and searching a person.
The Home Secretary is also calling for body camera footage recorded by officers to be released more quickly, as she hopes that “by telling the whole story quickly, innocent police officers will not be judged on social media for their actions.”
Ms Braverman said: “Carrying guns is a scourge on our society. And anyone who does is risking their own life and the lives of those around them. This dangerous culture must stop.”
“My first priority is keeping the public safe, and people who insist on carrying a gun should know there will be consequences.”
There have been concerns about the proportion of black men and boys who have been stopped and frisked.
He added: “Police have my full support to increase the use of stops and searches, where necessary, to prevent violence and save more lives.
“Every death from a knife crime is a tragedy. That’s why I also support law enforcement to address this scourge in communities that are disproportionately affected, such as among black youth. We need to do everything in our power to end this violence. ”
The Home Secretary also updated the safeguards being put in place when it comes to stop and search to “strengthen trust between the police and local communities.”
Therefore, the government says it intends to make it a legal requirement that police “communicate” when implementing Section 60 orders, which make it easier to stop and search specific areas, with exceptions if it would “hinder a delicate situation.” to do it”.
And data about each interaction must be collected, passed to the Home Office and published.
Braverman ‘chasing headlines,’ says Labor
Labor Party shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper accused the Home Secretary of “chasing headlines” rather than tackling knife crime.
“Knife crime has skyrocketed after 13 years of the Tories, with the biggest increases in suburbs and counties, destroying lives and devastating families,” he said.
“However, instead of a serious government plan to reduce knife crime, the Home Secretary is simply writing more letters to the police and chasing the headlines.
“The annihilation of neighborhood policing, cutbacks in youth prevention work, the lack of a proper serious violence strategy and a lack of action against organized crime under the Tories has allowed knife crime to rise in all communities. “.