StopWatch
The StopWatch action group, of which Runnymede is a member, seeks to work with communities, ministers, policy makers and senior police officers to ensure that reforms to the police service are fair and inclusive. The aim is to help make better policing for all.
Stop and search tactics continue to create a wedge between communities and the police.
StopWatch aims to ensure that the stop and search agenda progresses on fair grounds. Formed of leading figures from civil society, the legal professions and academia, the action group’s goals are to:
- Cut ethnic disproportionality in stop and search by half over the next five years and give forces guidance and support on how to achieve this
- Review the use and regulation of stop and search powers that do not require reasonable suspicion such as section 60, schedule 7 and the Road Traffic Act
- Ensure that procedures are in place for the effective monitoring and external accountability of stop and search
- Create a parliamentary champion/independent reviewer for fair stop and search use, and equality in policing
- Promote research on stop and search and alternatives to the use of the power
Runnymede is just one member of StopWatch. To find out about the other organisations involved and to keep up-to-date with the action group's news and events, visit the StopWatch website
For more information about StopWatch email Zin Derfoufi.
StopWatch is campaigning to ensure that this years elections for local Police and Crime Commissioners feature a progressive voice on stop and search. We will be focussing in three main areas: Ipswich, Leicester and the West Midlands. If you would be intersted in attending events or participating in the campaign please feel free to get in touch. You can read a blog post on the Crime Commissioners campaign here.
StopWatch and the Present theatre company have produced a play - "Stop Search" which deals with the harsh realities of stop and search and its impact upon police, young people and their families. "Stop Search" will debut at the Broadway theatre Catford on April 27th. Purchase tickets from Broadway's website.
The StopWatch youth group has produced a film "Profiles of the Profiled" which details how young Londoners feel about being stopped and searched. You can watch the film here.
Read about how Reverand Jesse Jackson Sr launched StopWatch in October 2010
