The publication of stop and search data by the Police has revealed that black people are disproportionately 11x more likely to be stopped and searched on the Isle of Wight than white people – but Hampshire Constabulary has given context to this headline figure.
In a bid to be open and transparent, Hampshire Constabulary has shared quarterly data on stop and search powers in the hopes that greater scrutiny will further ensure that its use of these is right and proper.
Data from Q1 2022 shows a black person is 11.1x more likely to be stopped on the Isle of Wight than a white person. For those of mixed race, this figure is 1.3x.
Police say that whilst this headline figure may be concerning, a total of 3 black people were stopped by officers on the Island during January, February and March. On each occasion, the person being stopped received a community resolution.
This figure is calculated using 2011 Census data, which reveals a vastly greater white population on the Island – 134,545 compared to 303. It also does not take into account the huge influx of people who visit the Island during the summer months, which results in more stop and searches being conducted.
Chief Inspector Alex Charge has said:
“We know that while there are those who support the use of Stop and Search, for some there are concerns about its fairness and proportionality. It is really important to us that we are able to have full and frank conversations about this with our communities.
“Our Independent Advisory Groups review stops across the force each quarter, to ensure we are conducting them lawfully and proportionately”.
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The data also reveals that repeat areas for stops include Lake and Sandown, which is unsurprising given the focus of Operation Spider in The Bay to tackle anti-social behaviour. Nearly 45% of stops were carried out on young people under 17-yearS-old.
In Q1 2022 a total of 150 stops were conducted, a 61% rise compared to Q4 2021. Of those 150, 14 led to arrests whilst 88 resulted in no further action.
Reasons for stop
- Criminal damage – 6
- Section 35 dispersal – 3
- Drugs – other – 102
- Going equipped – 3
- Offensive weapon – 6
- Seizure alcohol/tobacco – 6
- Stolen goods – 16
Outcome of stop
- Alcohol seized – 3
- Arrest – 14
- Caution – simple/conditional – 2
- Community resolution – 30
- No further action – 88
- Postal Requisition – 2
- Tobacco seized – 2
- Voluntary attendance – 3
