It is well known that Dyfed-Powys Police has the lowest levels of recorded crime and also detects the largest proportion of recorded crime of any Force in England and Wales. 'Stop and Search' is one of many useful policing tactics used in the prevention and detection of crime and to enhance community safety.

Superintendent Huw Meredith explained: "The police have the power to Stop and Search members of the community, but only where there are reasonable grounds to do so. There are several laws which allow officers to stop a member of the public and search them - for example, if the search is related to the illegal possession of offensive weapons, controlled drugs, stolen property, or items which could be used to commit crime.

"But quite rightly, there are many restrictions placed on how the police use the power of Stop and Search. These are there as safeguards - to ensure that Stop and Search is used in a fair and effective manner and we don't discriminate against or target certain elements of the community," he added.

"One of Dyfed-Powys Police's top priorities, set following public consultation, is to tackle anti-social behaviour in all its forms. Stop and Search is an essential tool in helping us to do this," said Supt. Meredith

Another priority for the Force is to tackle drug-related crime. In this area of policing, Stop and Search is also an essential tool in preventing and detecting the supply of controlled drugs.

Stop and Search is also used for detecting a wide variety of crimes, including offences of going equipped to commit acquisitive crimes like theft or burglary. In particular, Dyfed-Powys Police make effective use of Stop and Search to prevent and detect crimes committed by travelling criminals who travel into the Force area in order to commit crime.

Supt Meredith said: "A recent example of this was where officers were patrolling an area which had previously been targeted by metal thieves. Officers in an unmarked car Stopped and Searched three men near a building due to their suspicious behaviour. Following the search, a number of tools and items used to commit theft were found in their car and seized. The three males, who were from outside the Force area, were arrested. Without the effective use of Stop and Search powers, there is no doubt that more serious offences would have been committed."

On every occasion that Stop and Search powers are used, a record is made and there are processes in place to ensure that officers exercise their powers in a non-discriminatory way.

If you have any further questions about Stop and Search please contact Chief Inspector Bleasdale on 101.