Evidence base: references and footnotes

Summary

This section of the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice provides references and footnotes related to the effective and fair execution of stop and search encounters. It emphasizes the importance of grounding policing practices in legal frameworks, primarily the Code A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and findings from various research studies. The resources cited encompass analyses from noted publications and studies that critically assess the implications and methodologies of stop and search in the UK. They are essential for officers to understand the context and evidence supporting current practices and highlight issues such as disproportionality and community perceptions of policing. The document stresses that police officers must act within the legal, fair, professional, and transparent expectations set forth in these guidelines, ensuring accountability and legitimacy in their encounters with the public.

Key principles

• 1Legality: Ensure actions are grounded in applicable law.
• 2Fairness: Strive for equity in interactions with the community.
• 3Professionalism: Maintain high standards of conduct during policing.
• 4Transparency: Accurately document and communicate procedures and outcomes.