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Mark Hammond, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“The Commission welcomes the government’s plans to analyse and consult on the police use of stop and search to ensure that all police forces use it fairly. This announcement follows on from our own work with several police forces which proved that they were able to reduce their unfair use of stop and search by promoting intelligence-led use of these powers rather than one based on racial stereotypes, and at the same time continue to reduce crime rates.

“Stop and search is a necessary and useful power. If it is used proportionally and intelligently the police can protect the public, reduce crime and disorder and improve relations with black and ethnic minority groups. There is no evidence to suggest that disproportionately targeting black and Asian people reduces crime.

"We look forward to working with government to build on this work and help all police forces achieve positive outcomes through their use of stop and search.”

For further information please contact the media office on 0161 829 8102, out of hours 07767 272 818.

Notes to editors

• The majority of stops and searches in England and Wales are conducted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
• Our stop and search report from 2010 - Stop and Think, reviewed the use of stop and search nationally.
• Our follow up report from last month - Stop and Think Again, showed how the Commission worked with five police forces to improve their use of stop and search.
• The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006.  It took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.  It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.  The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act.  It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.