“It seems the police have nothing better to do but stop and search young people. They say that it keeps the streets safe. I doubt that it’s very effective. They should find a different way.”
That’s the feeling of a lot of young people today in South Wimbledon. More and more of us are being stopped on the street by the police, so perhaps we should know our rights.
This opinion is backed up by Merton’s Stop and Search Monitoring Group. “Not just young people but parents should understand their rights, such as GO WISELY.” They are an independent group that are keeping an eye on the fairness of police stop and search in the area. They are also going around youth clubs talking to young people about the issues behind stop and searches.
“What we’re trying to do between the police and the youngster is to try and stop the ‘us against them’ feeling, and for the youngsters to understand why the police conduct stop and searches. One small thing that’s causing a bit of friction is the police not letting people know what intelligence they have or telling them what’s going on in the area.
“Sometimes the police have to stop you because you fit the description of a wanted suspect. Normally if people are told a good enough reason for why they are being stopped, then most people don’t mind.”
However, sometimes you might think that you are being targeted or treated badly by the Police. If so, then there are a few things you can do according to Merton’s Stop and Search Monitoring Group.
“Raise it with a family member or the police officer at your school or a PCSO. On the 5090 [Stop and Search Form] there is an independent phone number you can call to get some more answers to some questions and that may mean finding out who the police officer was who dealt with the stop and search. But some people don’t want to do anything else. Some are satisfied and the stop has been a good one and the individual wants to say that they have been treated well”.
“What we are trying to set up is a place where young people can take that form to discuss it, somewhere they feel comfortable and secure. Maybe that place can be their youth club, or perhaps they can talk to the police officer at their school. As long as we have an outlet where young people can have their questions addressed, then if there is a problem then something can be done”.
From investigating police stop and searches we have discovered that it is not what you always think. The police are there to do their job and that’s protecting us. However, more respect towards us from them, would reduce the current tensions between us. But that could go both ways.
Leon, 14, says “I think stop and searches are a good thing if it prevents fatal incidents and crimes happening, but us young people do feel singled out sometimes”.
Adeola, 15, says “I think that stop and searches are a good idea because if more young people are carrying weapons then it’s better for more searches to happen”.
Jessica, 15, says “I know what it’s like to be stopped and searched, but personally I think that it’s a good thing if it can prevent something bad happening”.
And the final word goes to Emmanuel, 14; “It doesn’t have to go the Police’s way. If you know your rights you can stand your ground, or you can take it their way”.
This story was produced by Emmanuel Ibeh 14, Jessica Ibeh 15, and Leon Ekaban 14
