Police and Crime Commissioner backs increased use of stop and search to tackle violence

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster has fully backed calls by the Home Secretary to step up the use of stop and search to keep the public safe.

The Home Secretary Suella Braverman told police leaders to ensure their officers are confident to use stop and search powers whenever necessary to seize dangerous weapons off the streets and prevent knife crime.

In a letter to all 43 Chief Constables across England and Wales, she urged officers to use the ‘common sense' policing tactic and all the powers at their disposal to prevent violence before it happens. This includes arresting those who unlawfully obstruct a stop and search from taking place.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "I fully endorse the Home Secretary's approach. The carrying of knives and offensive weapons is illegal. We must take every opportunity we can to take these weapons off our streets and ensure those caught carrying them feel the full weight of the law.

"I have made it clear since I was elected as Police and Crime Commissioner that I support Derbyshire's officers to use every tactic at their disposal to apprehend suspects and bring offenders to justice to keep people safe. Stop and Search is an effective tool at their disposal, it is key to public safety and I will continue to support our officers and ensure they are able to use the tools and powers at their disposals to stop more criminals."

"Serious violence reduction orders give police the power to automatically search those already convicted of knife and offensive weapon offences. This will help to prevent, detect and deter serious crimes."