WEST Mercia Police have defended their use of controversial stop and search powers after video footage emerged of officers detaining a black man suspected of carrying drugs in the city centre.
A recording, made by a concerned witness, shows a black man being stopped and searched as he is surrounded by five West Mercia Police officers in The Cross in Worcester.
The incident happened outside Tony and Guy, opposite McDonald's, in Worcester city centre at around 9pm on Sunday.
No drugs were found when police carried out the search, the force has confirmed. The man, who is seen to raise his arms to allow the search, appears to be compliant and co-operative throughout.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police defended the actions of the uniformed officers who they say were acting on information supplied by CCTV operators.
Every stop and search is reviewed by a senior police officer although the force acknowledges it can be an 'intrusive tool' and must be used 'fairly'.
We have decided to blur the man's face as there is nothing to suggest he has broken the law.
Other men appear to be remonstrating with officers during the incident on the corner of The Foregate and St Nicholas Street, near The Cross in Worcester city centre.
An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous and made the recording, said: "As I walked past McDonald's on Foregate Street, I witnessed a troubling scene: five to six police officers disembarked from a police van and proceeded to apprehend three young black men for a stop and search, despite the fact that they were simply going about their own business and not engaging in any suspicious activities.
"Witnessing this incident deeply saddened me, as it was disheartening to see such behaviour unfolding in Worcester. This incident raises important questions about the safety and treatment of minority communities in Worcester.”
An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous and made the recording, said: "As I walked past McDonald's on Foregate Street, I witnessed a troubling scene: five to six police officers disembarked from a police van and proceeded to apprehend three young black men for a stop and search, despite the fact that they were simply going about their own business and not engaging in any suspicious activities.
"Witnessing this incident deeply saddened me, as it was disheartening to see such behaviour unfolding in Worcester. While I am aware that the Metropolitan Police are known for such actions, I never expected to witness it here. This incident raises important questions about the safety and treatment of minority communities in Worcester. Are minorities truly safe in our city?"
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "At around 9pm last night (Sunday) officers conducted a stop search of a man at The Cross in Worcester.
"The search was carried out following an alert from CCTV operators advising they had seen the man with items which they suspected to be drugs.
"No drugs were found during the search and the man was free to continue with his evening."
Chief Inspector David Troth, who leads the patrol team in Worcester, said: “Stop and search powers are an important tool for police officers and undoubtedly help prevent serious harm in our communities, ultimately contributing to keeping people safe.
“However, we acknowledge that it can be an intrusive tool and must be used lawfully, proportionately, fairly and with respect.
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“Operationally we have a number of steps in place to ensure proportionality. Body worn video is used during all stop searches, and all searches are reviewed by a supervisor. This review is not only to make sure the search is legal but takes other factors into account such as how the person was treated and the circumstances that led to the search. In addition, every stop and search of a member of the black community is reviewed by a senior police officer.
“We also run scrutiny panels where members of the public can review body worn video footage of stop searches.
“Anyone is welcome to part in a scrutiny panel or join one of our independent advisory groups. For further information please email stopandsearchmail@westmercia.police.uk.”
- Are you the man who was stopped in Worcester on Sunday? If you want to get in touch, email jc@worcesternews.co.uk
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