The Metropolitan Police Service (Met) has initiated a new survey aimed at soliciting the views of London residents regarding stop and search procedures, as part of efforts to establish a charter between local communities and the police force.

The survey, introduced as part of the New Met for London plan, seeks to reset the relationship between the Met and the city’s diverse communities. Stop and search, when conducted effectively, has been credited with removing approximately 4,000 dangerous weapons from London’s streets annually, contributing to public safety and crime prevention efforts.

However, the Met acknowledges that poorly executed stop-and-search practices can strain police-community relations, particularly among groups disproportionately affected by such tactics. Therefore, the survey aims to gather insights into public perceptions of stop and search, personal experiences with the procedure, officer training, and areas for improvement.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who leads the project, emphasized the importance of working closely with communities to ensure that policing is conducted with their consent. He acknowledged that while stop and search can be instrumental in combating crime and enhancing public safety, negative experiences with the practice have eroded trust and cooperation within some communities.

To address these concerns, the Met is actively seeking input from Londoners to establish a mutual agreement on the future implementation of stop and search procedures. Adelekan highlighted the significance of community feedback in shaping the Met’s approach to stop and search, underscoring the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

In recent months, the Met has engaged with various stakeholders, including charities, faith groups, and youth organizations, to facilitate open discussions on stop and search practices. Neighbourhood policing teams have also conducted localized engagement sessions to gather feedback and identify key areas for improvement, such as officer training and transparency in recording and auditing stop and search activities.

Londoners are encouraged to participate in the survey, which is available online and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The results are expected to inform future strategies and policies regarding stop and search within the city.

To access the survey, interested individuals can visit the Metropolitan Police website and follow the provided link.