THE RACIAL disproportionality around the use of Section 60 stop and search police powers is “not only unfair but counterproductive” and abolishing it would help restore the black community’s trust in the police, MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has said.

The Labour MP for Streatham, who joined demonstrators at a Stand Up to Racism march in Brixton on Saturday, has said it is “disappointing to see an increase in this discriminatory policy” at a time when policing methods are under the spotlight.

Ribeiro-Addy, spoke at the rally, which organisers reported was attended by around 200 people. The demonstration called for an end to Section 60 and featured speeches from Labour MP Dawn Butler and anti-racism activists.

“Evidence based stop and search is a widely accepted policing tactic. But the current level of racial disproportionality around Section 60 stop and search is not only unfair but clearly counterproductive,” Ribeiro-Addy said.

‘Disappointing’

Today The Guardian revealed that the Met increased the use of Section 60 stop and search during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The number of people stopped and searched under Section 60 amounted to more than double the number stopped in May 2019, the paper reported.

Speaking today, Ribeiro-Addy said: “In our country we are supposed to have a proud tradition of policing by consent. At a time when policing practices are under the spotlight and community confidence has declined in the police more generally, it’s disappointing to see an increase in this discriminatory policy.  

“An effective police force works within the community, not against a huge section of it. Rather than ramping up stop and search, we should be focussed on tackling the underlying causes of crime. 

“Abolishing Section 60 stop and searches would go some way towards restoring the black community’s confidence and trust in the police.” 

Earlier this month Metropolitan Police chief Cressida Dick gave evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on key policing issues.

Yvette Cooper, chair of the committee, said 10,000 young black men aged 15-24 were stopped and searched in London in May alone. For more than 8,000 of those stopped no further action was taken.

Responding to the figures at the time, Dick said she was “not alarmed” by them but “alert”.