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Stop and Search

MPS Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has set a clear vision for stop and search: to achieve the highest level of trust and confidence in the police’s use of stop & search as a tactic for keeping our streets safe. As a consequence, the use of Stop and Search in London will become significantly more effective, have better outcomes, and be used primarily to protect our communities from violent crime.

The MPS approach to stop and search sees a renewed focus on reducing violence and for the powers to be used in a more intelligence-led and targeted way, leading to more arrests and more weapons seized. See related links to view MPS policy and Borough Data.

Commander Tony Eastaugh, who oversees MPS stop and search said: "Stop and Search is an important policing tactic and a deterrent to crime. We know from public attitude surveys that communities support us when it is used fairly and professionally".

The MPS want to ensure that at all times officers use stop and search professionally, fairly and appropriately to the satisfaction of all those stopped and that overall the powers are used effectively and efficiently with the full confidence and support/satisfaction of the public. Let us know what you think, give your feedback and work with us to ensure that we continue to use the powers to the satisfaction of Londoners to create safety on our streets.

If you are not satisfied with the way you were stopped and searched and wish to make a complaint, please call 101 our non-emergency number, or view How to Complain in related links and complete the online form