Big increase in use of stop-and-search powers in Norfolk

12.00.00am GMT Fri 8th Jan 2010

New figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats reveal significant yearly increases in the use of stop-and-search powers by Norfolk police over each of the last 5 years. Under-10s are amongst those included in the figures, which show:

• A 55% increase in total use of stop-and-search from 7588 in 2003-04 to 11728 in 2008-09

• Stop-and-search powers applied to under-10s on 38 occasions over the same period, including 10 occasions in 2008-09

• Males are significantly more likely to be stopped, making up 73 pc of all stop-and-searches in 2008-09

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Norwich South, obtained the figures through a Freedom of Information request.

Mr Wright said:

"Stop-and-search can be an important part of police activities when the use of these powers are based on intelligence. While there has been a considerable increase in these powers in Norfolk, so long as they've been used in a targeted manner to tackle a real threat of crime then it is in the public interest. The dangers occur when the public perceives that stop-and-search powers are being used in a routine and indiscriminate way, which can lead to communities growing suspicious of the police. It would be ultimately damaging to have an endless growth in the use of stop-and-search."

"The fact that young children under the age of ten are among those being searched is a worrying sign. Some teenage and older criminals are known to use young children to hide drugs and weapons. However in dealing with this its important that young children are not criminalised and grow up apprehensive of the police."

In responding to Mr Wright's Freedom of Information request, a spokesperson for Norfolk Police said:

"When used fairly and effectively 'Stop and Search' is a vital power for intelligence led policing. It

allows for effective use of resources to prevent and detect crime and improve the safety of

neighbourhoods. Whilst data shows stops record relating to under 10 years olds, analysis shows

that, they relate to searches under reasonable grounds for drugs hidden in children's clothing."