#BTColumn – Fixing the ‘Stop and Search’

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today.

by Vincent “Boo” Nurse

The UK now faces a lockdown, the second of its kind in 2020. One wonders what effect it will have on the lives of young Black men in the capital with regard to their relationship with the Metropolitan Police (MP). During the first lockdown, the MP stopped and searched over 20, 000 Black men who were between the ages of 18 and 24.

A most remarkable aspect of that figure of detainees is that 80 per cent of the cases were found to be unmerited and therefore did not require further police action.

Stop and search is again top of the agenda where the policing of young Black men in London is discussed.

The report of a high number of operations on young Black men during lockdown, particularly at a time when the streets were largely deserted, makes one reflect on what could have been the logic and rationale behind such actions.

It does beg the question as to whether or not the numbers game was being played out. However, in defence and protection of young Black men in the capital, we must ask whether or not lessons are being learnt by both sides after the use of sledgehammer tactics during the first lockdown, and will
there be a change of approach by the police in this current phase of restrictions?

Young Black men must be allowed to go unhindered about legitimate business in their neighbourhoods without the fear of being apprehended and humiliated on the apparent whim of suspicion by police officers who, on the basis of the figures, appear to be acting without scientific and proven evidence. One does not for a moment suggest that there should not be policing of the streets, but there has to be a better way than that which is currently being used.

The whole matter requires fresh and innovative thought from all sides. It now bears the resemblance of a revolving door. First, the police stop and search, apparently randomly, and release figures that appear grossly imbalanced and appalling.

Second, there is outcry from all liberal thinking members of the community who profess outrage and frustration but appear to leave their discontent on the benches of a Commission of Inquiry where that discontent is filed nicely away for another Commission to pontificate over.

Yet, after many years, there are no visible signs of change in attitude or methodology as the stop and search procedure rolls merrily along like the waves in the Caribbean Sea.

Again a question is posed: Has there been a serious study on what impact these routine invasions on the young Black man’s privacy and person may have had and do have on a section of our community that has much to offer in the building of an equal and law-abiding society that requires tolerance and understanding from all quarters?

How can there be tolerance and acquiescence if there is not a level playing field? It is known that one hand on its own cannot clap.

The recruitment of Black police officers is seen by many on all sides of the community as a route through which the process of healing and understanding can begin. However, this has not been particularly successful and moreover, has been seen to be difficult.

Lord Simon Woolley (recently featured in Barbados TODAY), former chairman of the government-funded Race Disparity Unit, said recruitment is restricted because of the continued criminalisation of young Black men for minor crimes and the disproportionate use of stop and search action.

In an attempt to make the police service attractive and user friendly to Black and ethnic members of the community, the Home Office has launched an initiative, Police Now, armed to inspire graduates to join up. But these efforts are undermined by measures which Lord Woolley said “harass and intimidate Black people.”

Police Now members soon intend to release a film to boost diversity in the ranks, and they contend that the forces need to resemble the communities they serve to restore trust. But I rather feel that trust first needs to be instilled before restoration thereto.

However, Lord Woolley argues that such efforts would be nullified as long as Black people feel that they are victims of racial profiling. He is quoted as saying: “Home Office policy is translating into a further alienation of police officers and Black people.

We get stopped and searched more, so the last thing we want to do is join the police.” And on further reflection, he added that given all circumstances “the police cannot police without consent because they are loathed.”

In a further twist to the debate, it should be recorded that former Prime Minister Theresa May, who, when she was Home Secretary, was a strident supporter of stop and search. On seeing the evidence of the unfairness of the operation, she appeared to recant and said that about 30 per cent of stop and search operations were unlawfully carried out.

If the former Prime Minister on her road to Damascus could see the need to change a policy that is inherently and institutionally biased, then the MP should tell the public what defines their policy of stop and search.

Maybe if the MP are open minded about their procedures, the Black community could engage with its young members and educate them on ways and means to avoid harassment by a police force that is easily swayed by its ill-founded and old views that criminality is rampant in the Black community in London and the UK.

The debate needs to be open minded and continue.

Vincent “Boo” Nurse is a Barbadian living in London who is a retired land Revenue Manager, Pensions and Investment Adviser. He is passionate about the development of his island home and disapora.