Black and mixed ethnicity people face higher stop and search rates by West Midlands Police
Police data reveals racial disparities in stop and search and use of force
New data has highlighted ongoing racial disproportionality in stop and search practices conducted by West Midlands Police.
The findings were presented to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Accountability and Governance Board.
According to the data, black and mixed ethnicity individuals are 3.5 times more likely to be stopped and searched compared to white individuals.
Furthermore, the use of force data shows black individuals are 2.3 times more likely, and mixed ethnicity individuals are 1.5 times more likely to face force than their white counterparts.
However, Asian individuals are 1.9 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people, but less likely to be subjected to the use of force, with a disproportionality ratio of 0.9.
West Midlands Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Mike O’Hara said: “I think we’ve moved in the right direction.
“I think disproportionality continues to be a challenge for law enforcement not only nationally but also internationally.
“We have seen a reduction in disproportionality across the board for ethnic minority groups in the West Midlands over the last few years which is positive to see.
“One of the challenges for us is we have higher rates of ethnic minority groups within highly deprived areas which also equates to where our demand sits and where we deploy officers.
“But fundamentally, it sits at good quality training, good policy and procedures, good oversight and good quality accountability.
“The level of oversight now, particularly around disproportionality, is pretty granular. Not least, we now review the body-worn footage for stop and search for all children as part of our trigger review, which I think is a really positive thing.
“And we report this through the police race action plan and report this into the communities as well.”
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Andy Parsons mentioned the force is considering academic research to better understand and address disproportionality.