Davarel Gordon recalls being just 12 years old when he first encountered a stop and search by the police.
“The initial experience is shocking. There was no dialogue; I didn’t grasp what was transpiring,” he reflects.
“As it happened repeatedly, it became a frustration. By the ages of 15 and 16, I hardly left my home because stepping outside meant risking another stop and search.”
Now 20, Davarel is one of 80 young individuals invited to New Scotland Yard, where the Metropolitan Police launched a new set of commitments regarding the often-criticized practice of stop and search.
This initiative is introduced nearly two years following substantial criticism in the Casey review, which highlighted the “over policing and under protecting” of Black Londoners and called for a “Fundamental reset” of this practice.
Recent government studies have shown that Black individuals are over four times more likely to be subjected to stop and search by police.
The Metropolitan Police claims this charter has been developed after 18 months of dialogue with over 8,500 Londoners from diverse demographics, through various surveys and events across all 32 boroughs in London.
The charter emphasizes better communication and tone from officers during stop and search incidents, enhanced officer training and oversight, and improved management of complaints.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley clarified that this charter is not aimed at reducing the number of stop and searches, but rather at “enhancing the standard of interactions, taking into consideration the community’s perspective.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who oversees this project, highlighted that stop and search is “crucial for saving lives” but admitted that when mishandled, it can severely damage public trust, underscoring the importance of mending relationships.
According to the Metropolitan Police, this strategy has proven effective in crime reduction, having confiscated approximately 17,500 weapons in the past four years, including at least 3,500 already in 2024.
Despite his unfavorable experiences, Mr. Gordon believes stop and search serves a necessary purpose in policing.
“Even if they’re recovering three or four knives from the streets, that represents three or four lives that could be spared,” he stated.
However, he advocates for a more focused application of this method, mentioning that he and his peers often became targets due to their attire.
“We weren’t causing any trouble, but we all happened to be wearing the same jacket,” he explained.
He recounted the discomfort and fear he felt when surrounded by three adult officers as a teenager.
Sir Mark has previously expressed concerns about some officers’ apprehension regarding the use of stop and search, revealing that the frequency of its application has decreased by half in London over the past three years.
“If we aim to confront those who wish to perpetrate serious harm and intimidation throughout London, stop and search must remain a component of our strategy,” he emphasized.
“Allowing the controversial nature of this tactic to inhibit its use would only benefit criminals.”
Mr. Gordon believes the primary improvement should be in aftercare and empathy.
“There is a lack of that. Officers need to remember that we are human beings. They should ensure the individual is alright.”
Paul Leslie, CEO of the charity Rights and Equalities in Newham, remarked that stop and search has been “disproportionately directed at Black and Asian boys, and Black and Asian communities at large.”
“I think the effectiveness of stop and search in reducing crime has not been substantiated, therefore a stronger correlation is needed between the two,” he stated.
Mr. Adelekan affirmed the police’s realization of needing community assistance for change.
“This isn’t merely a formality. Had it been, we would have completed this process 18 months ago,” he remarked.
“We sought out opportunities for dialogue wherever we could, even approaching individuals and organizations that were reluctant to engage with us.”
Doreen Sinclair-McCollin, CEO of Elevated Minds, an organization aiding young people, expressed confidence that the charter resonates with the organization’s perspective.
“Much of the language reflects the sentiments of the young people involved,” she noted. “I haven’t witnessed such a process before, where they truly listened and engaged.”
She desires the application of this practice to be “constructive” and “fair.”
Mr. Leslie concurred, although he acknowledged that challenges lie ahead.
“I think it’s a significant undertaking; we are confronting a variety of cultural and ingrained behaviors that will take time to address, but I remain optimistic.”
Mr. Gordon, who mentors youth through the charity Fight 4 Change, believes there may be some doubt about these reforms, yet he feels that the charter is more likely to succeed than earlier police commitments.
“Collaborating is the most effective way to progress,” he stated.
“If you expect the police to treat you in a certain manner, you must demonstrate how you wish to be treated; that way, they can learn from the experience.”
