'Go wisely: everything you need to know about stop and search' MPA releases innovative educational dvd

METROPOLITAN POLICE AUTHORITY News Release (33/08) issued by The Government News Network on 23 June 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority has launched an innovative educational DVD about the police use of stop and search as a tactic to combat crime, to debate why it's a controversial tool and explore what young people think about it.

The DVD will be used as part of an overall training package for the police in how to use stop and search appropriately, and inform the public, especially young people, of their rights when they are stopped or searched.

'Go Wisely - everything you need to know about stop and search' has been produced by the MPA in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Service, the Safer London Foundation, Greater Manchester Police Authority and community groups in London and Manchester. During production the advice of various organisations, including Liberty, was sought to ensure that it provides a balanced picture.

John Roberts, MPA lead member on stop and search, said:

"For many people, being stopped and searched by a police officer will be their first encounter with the police. It is crucial that officers are professional and respectful when they use the tactic. The public also need to understand why the police use this tool, as well as what their rights are during a stop and search procedure.

"This DVD is an interactive learning tool to be used as part of an overall training package to help train officers to use this police tactic appropriately, and to help the public, especially young people, to understand how stop and search is used to keep them and their communities safe. This dialogue is crucial because these measures need to be understood and trusted if they are to be effective. We will be making it widely available to community and youth groups and schools across London, and it's also available to view on the MPA website.

The DVD was filmed on location in London and Manchester. During filming the camera crew were involved in a real crime incident and filmed the police live as they searched for culprits. It features serving officers talking about how stop and search can help them detect crime, and young people talking about their perceptions of stop and search, their experiences of being stopped and how they want to be treated with respect by the police if stopped.

John Roberts concluded:

"While we were making this DVD the young people involved reiterated what we've heard time and again in conversation with young Londoners: they can understand why the police need the power to stop and search to detect crime, but it's how that interaction takes place that matters. Respect is the keyword. As another participant in the DVD said, "treat others as you would want to be treated yourself."

"Watch the DVD. Think about it. Talk about it. And learn from it. The police are here to protect you and help your community lead their lives in safety."

An accompanying resource pack has been developed by Greater Manchester Police Authority, with support from Manchester City Council, designed to help viewers explore the issues raised within the DVD. The pack activities are suitable for use with young people aged 13+ and police officers.

Notes to editors

1. 'Go Wisely - everything you need to know about Stop and Search', together with the accompanying resource pack, is available to view on the MPA website at: http://www.mpa.gov.uk/issues/stop-search/go-wisely.htm

2. The DVD was shown for the first time at the MPA's stop and search conference - 'Stop right now, thank you very much' - in central London on Saturday 21 June 2008. See conference press release for further details: http://www.mpa.gov.uk/news/press/2008/08-032.htm

3. The DVD project board comprised representatives of all the partners and included members of the MPS Youth Independent Advisory Group. Help was given by the following organisations during production: Carisma (Challenging Gun & Gang Culture in Manchester, the Children's Society, Liberty, REAL (Race Equality Action Lewisham) and representatives from communities in London and Greater Manchester.

4. The Home Office sponsored stop and search website provides information about the police tactic and people's rights: http://www.stopandsearch.com

Website: http://www.mpa.gov.uk