‘Ineffective’ and racially disproportionate blanket stop and search powers to be expanded

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} “Ineffective” and racially disproportionate blanket stop and search powers are to be expanded by the government under a new plan to “beat crime”. The government said it would be “permanently relaxing voluntary conditions” for using section 60 powers as part of its Beating Crime Plan. “The government must focus on tackling the root causes of violent crime rather than extending a power which does more harm than good.” The Beating Crime Plan also includes previously announced moves to increase prison sentences for some crimes, recruit 20,000 extra police officers and ensure victims can contact named police officers. “An assessment of the pilot relaxing conditions on the use of section 60 stop and search showed it gave police officers greater confidence to make use of the power, better reflected the realities and uncertainties officers face on the ground around predicting serious violence, and acted as a deterrent.