NACRO Leaflet

Theme(s): Stop and Search

This information leaflet that was produced by NACRO, on behalf of the Haringey Community and Police Consultative Group. The aim of the leaflet was to find out what people in Tottenham thought of the police’s use of Stop and Search.

NACRO was formed in 1966 and stemmed from the National Association of Discharged Prisoners’ Aid Society. Its original aim was to remove the stereotype of view of offenders.

NACRO’s work on race and criminal justice issues began in 1983 when a high-level policy body, the Race Issues Advisory Committee (RIAC) was established. In 1986 it formed the Black Initiatives Unit to work with African, Caribbean, Asian and other minority ethnic communities. Then, in 1993, NACRO formed The Race and

Criminal Justice Unit, which worked with multi-agency teams at a local level to improve relations between local communities and the criminal justice system by turning their written race equality policies into concrete action and delivery.

They worked with local police stations, magistrates courts, the CPS, the probation services and in prisons in order to help to restore confidence in the fairness of the system for all who come into contact with it.

The Haringey Community and Police Consultative Group was established in 1985 and works with the local community to provide an effective platform and voice for them to understand and influence local community safety, policing decisions and policies that affect them, as well as holding the local metropolitan Police Service and Crime Disorder and Reduction Partnership to account.

How can the artefacts support your teaching and students’ learning

Stop and Search is a difficult and complex topic. The artefacts show it has always been a topical and controversial issue, which most students will not know. Looking at it from a historical viewpoint requires a high level of critical, analytical and evaluative thinking and enquiry from the students as they have to explore, engage and reflect on ideas, opinions, beliefs and values that will often be the opposite of theirs. Although students may find it hard at times to put their own views aside, the lessons should also assist them to take responsible action if they are ever stopped and/or make an informed decision on the debate, as the artefacts do. There should be plenty of opportunities for them to explore creative approaches to taking action on problems and issues, such as Stop and Search to achieve an intended purpose.

Citizenship KS3/4, GCSE Sociology, GCSE History, A-Level Politics, GCSE and Law A-Level

Teaching Stop and Search from a historical point of view provides a wider overview of the role, function and purpose of policing and citizens rights and the relationship between the two over time. Lessons on Stop and Search can also open up opportunities to discuss, debate, reflect and evaluate the effectiveness and impact it has different community groups and their relationship with the police and the criminal justice system since the 1970s onward.

Well planned lessons will also equip students by helping them to identify and apply the main concepts and context behind Stop and Search, such as what is unlawful and unprofessional practice, what powers the police have powers, individuals’ rights and responsibilities and relevant legislation and law and how these have changed over the years.

It can also help students to understand the roles undertaken by people within the legal system to affect change and how this is pivotal to our justice system. How the role of pressure and interest groups, play an important part in providing a voice and support for different groups in society campaigning to bring about a legal change or to fight injustice. Know there are different forms of democratic and citizenship actions people can take to bring about change and hold those in positions of power to account in regard to issues relating to human rights and the justice system. Gain insight into why mutual respect and understanding, and community cohesion are important in a democratic society.

Linking the artefacts to the present day

Stop and Search has not been out of the headlines since the 1970s and has remained controversial due to the racial profiling behind it that disproportionately affects African, Caribbean, Asian and minority ethnic people in particular men.
Its profile has been raised due to the increase in youth, knife and gun crime across the UK and in relation to immigration
It has become even more controversial as under the Terrorism Act, 2000 sections 43 and 74a has given rise to secondary stop and search powers with their own code of practice, which are linked to PREVENT
Since the 1970s there have been many research papers and reports looking at the effectiveness of stop and search which has also added to the controversy concerning its use as both a deterrent and preventive measure against crime.
Since the 1970s to date, the political split between the left and right over the use of stop and search has been fairly consistent and also in keeping with the public and media mood of the times