Northamptonshire Police carried out more than 10,500 stop and searches in the last 12 months, it has been revealed.
The force today asked for anyone who has been stopped and searched by police officers in the county to share their views and experience of the search.
The new survey is part of an attempt to raise awareness of police stop and search powers.
Superintendent Andy Cox said the force was keen to increase people’s understanding about when and why the police use stop and search.
He said: “When used effectively, stop and search is a really valuable policing tool that can help prevent and detect crime and make our communities safer.
“The survey gives us the chance to get information directly from people who have been stopped and searched, helping us to make sure the correct procedures are being followed and to better understand the impact the use of these powers can have.
“A police officer has the power to stop and search an individual, or their vehicle, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect they are involved in crime, are carrying illegal drugs, a weapon, stolen property, or something that could be used to commit a crime.
“There are a number of laws that give officers the powers to do this without having to arrest someone first, but it must be proportionate and they must have clear grounds for doing so, based on accurate and up to date information.
The survey takes about five minutes to do and can be completed online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/stopandsearch2012.
More information about stop and search can be found at www.northants.police.uk under the Information section on the home page.
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