Blue light flasher atop of a police car. City lights on the background.

Police powers to stop and search: YOUR RIGHTS

by StopNAsk

Police powers to stop and search:

The police can stop and question you at any time – they can search you depending on the situation.

A police community support officer (PCSO) must be in uniform when they stop and question you. A police officer doesn’t always have to be in uniform but if they’re not wearing uniform they must show you their warrant card.

Stop and search powers help the police to tackle crime. It’s targeted and intelligence-led and practised on people who are suspected of being involved in crime. Find out how it helps to keep our streets safe and what to expect if you are stopped.

Stop and question: police powers

A police officer might stop you and ask: what your name is what you’re doing in the area where you’re going You don’t have to stop or answer any questions. If you don’t and there’s no other reason to suspect you, then this alone can’t be used as a reason to search or arrest you.

Stop and search: police powers

If you get caught up in knife crime, you're not just going to get a slap on the wrists. It doesn't matter if it's for your own protection or if you are carrying a knife for someone else. Just carrying a knife can get you sent to prison for up to four years, even if you don't use it.

Your rights when being questioned

The police may question you about the crime you’re suspected of - this will be recorded. You don’t have to answer the questions but there could be consequences if you don’t. The police must explain this to you by reading you the police caution: “You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

Beforeyour searched

Before you’re searched the police officer must tell you: their name and police station what they expect to find, for example drugs the reason they want to search you, for example if it looks like you’re hiding something why they are legally allowed to search you that you can have a record of the search and if this isn’t possible at the time, how you can get a copy

Removing clothing: police powers

A police officer can ask you to take off your coat, jacket or gloves. The police might ask you to take off other clothes and anything you’re wearing for religious reasons - for example a veil or turban. If they do, they must take you somewhere out of public view. If the officer wants to remove more than a jacket and gloves they must be the same sex as you.

Your rights in custody

The custody officer at the police station must explain your rights. You have the right to: get free legal advice tell someone where you are have medical help if you’re feeling ill see the rules the police must follow (‘Codes of Practice’) see a written notice telling you about your rights, eg regular breaks for food and to use the toilet (you can ask for a notice in your language) or an interpreter to explain the notice You’ll be searched and your possessions will be kept by the police custody officer while you’re in the cell.

Young people under 18 and vulnerable adults

The police must try to contact your parent, guardian or carer if you’re under 18 or a vulnerable adult. They must also find an ‘appropriate adult’ to come to the station to help you and be present during questioning and searching. An appropriate adult can be: your parent, guardian or carer a social worker another family member or friend aged 18 or over a volunteer aged 18 or over The National Appropriate Adult Network provides appropriate adult services in England and Wales.

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Under 18 and have been detained in police custody

by StopNAsk

If you are under 18 and have been detained in police custody in the UK, it is important to know your rights and seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Under UK law, anyone who is arrested or detained by the police must be informed of their rights. If you are under 18, the police must inform your parents or guardian that you have been arrested or detained as soon as is practicable.

You have the right to free legal advice if you are detained by the police, and this includes if you are under 18. You can ask for a solicitor to be present during any police interviews, and you have the right to remain silent if you choose to do so.

If you are under 18, the police are required to make arrangements for your welfare while you are in custody. This includes providing appropriate accommodation, food and drink, and medical treatment if necessary. They must also make sure that you are not held in police custody for longer than is necessary.

If you feel that your rights have been violated or that you have been treated unfairly while in police custody, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. You can contact a solicitor or a legal advice service, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or a youth advocacy organisation, for assistance.

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Chicken Shop Grooming

by Arts & CultureFilm ProductionStopNAsk

‘Chicken shop grooming’ is a form of child exploitation prevalent throughout the UK, which has not received widespread public attention until recently. Young people on their way home from school are bought food by an acquaintance or stranger over a number of days and start to unknowingly accrue debt”. Paul McKenzie

“Chicken shop grooming” refers to a form of child exploitation where perpetrators target vulnerable young people in or around fast-food outlets, especially in urban areas. These locations are popular with young people, making it easier for predators to engage with them. The grooming process typically involves gaining the trust of the young person by offering free food, money, or other incentives, gradually leading to various forms of exploitation, such as sexual exploitation or coercion into criminal activities. This practice highlights the need for increased awareness and intervention in everyday places where such grooming might be overlooked.

“Chicken shop grooming” has become an increasingly significant concern, particularly in urban areas where fast-food outlets are common hangouts for young people. The problem has grown as perpetrators exploit these public spaces to target vulnerable youths, offering them free food or money to gain their trust before leading them into various forms of exploitation.

Over time, the threat has evolved due to factors like the growing accessibility of these environments and the increasing sophistication of grooming techniques. Perpetrators have become more adept at identifying and manipulating vulnerable individuals, making it harder for authorities and communities to detect and prevent these activities. This shift has underscored the urgent need for enhanced awareness, preventative measures, and stronger community vigilance to protect young people from such exploitation.

How to tackle the problem of “chicken shop grooming,” a multi-faceted approach is needed that involves the community, authorities, and young people themselves. Here are some key strategies:

  1. Education and Awareness: Schools, parents, and community organisations should educate young people about the risks of grooming and how to recognise suspicious behavior. Raising awareness among fast-food outlet staff to identify and report grooming activities can also be crucial.
  2. Increased Surveillance and Security: Authorities can work with local businesses to increase surveillance in areas where young people gather, including installing CCTV cameras and increasing police patrols.
  3. Safe Spaces for Youth: Communities should invest in safe recreational spaces and youth programs that provide alternative places for young people to spend their time, reducing their exposure to potential groomers in unsupervised settings.
  4. Community Engagement: Encouraging community members to be vigilant and report suspicious activities can create a safer environment. Partnerships between police, social services, and local businesses can help monitor and address the issue.
  5. Support for Victims: Providing accessible support services for young people who may have been targeted, including counseling and legal assistance, is essential for their recovery and for preventing further exploitation.
  6. Stronger Legal Frameworks: Governments can enhance laws and regulations to better address grooming activities and prosecute offenders effectively, while also holding businesses accountable for failing to prevent exploitation on their premises.

By implementing these measures, communities can work together to protect young people and reduce the prevalence of chicken shop grooming.

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Study shows impact of knife imagery not universal, but is more profound for some young people affected by violence

by Major of LondonStopNAsk
SOURCE

Study shows impact of knife imagery not universal, but is more profound for some young people affected by violence

  • Researchers suggest some young people may be ‘desensitised’ to seeing images of large knives posted on social media
  • Peer-led study shows knife imagery can make young people feel fearful and scared
  • Small number of young people admitted seeing images of large knives would make them more likely to carry a knife themselves

New research published by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has found that there is a negligible effect on young people of seeing images of knives posted by police on social media – but the impact on a smaller group of young people could be profound.

Researchers also suggests that some children and young people have become desensitised to seeing images of large knives and machetes seized where they live.

In January last year, London’s VRU commissioned research on behalf of its Young People’s Action Group (YPAG) who were concerned that posting images of knives seized by the police on social media could contribute to a sense of fear in communities, particularly amongst young people. 

It’s recognised that there is a strong debate around images of knives and dangerous weapons seized by the police being published online. Alongside creating a sense of fear for some, the VRU’s YPAG also raised concerns that seeing images of big knives seized on London’s streets by police can lead to some young people getting hold of more dangerous weapons and knives in order to protect themselves.

The VRU commissioned research, led by University College London, to examine the impact on young people of knife imagery posted by police on social media. The research, published today, found little to suggest that viewing social media posts of knives seized by police had an impact on young people’s attitudes towards knives and knife-carrying. Researchers suggested this may be due to young people having become desensitised to seeing images of knives. They recommended further qualitative research to capture the views of young people already affected by knife-carrying or harm.

To support the research, the YPAG carried out peer-led surveys and a series of workshops with a group of young people aged 12-25 who benefit from the VRU’s programmes aimed at tackling violence and exploitation. It gave them a safe platform to discuss their views of the impact of seeing images of knives online.

It found that seeing images of knives seized by police and posted on social media can lead to young people feeling fearful and unsafe about where they live.

The surveys and workshops found that:

  • The majority of young people (53 per cent – 18 young people) felt unsafe, scared and worried upon seeing images of knives posted on social media by police
  • 55 per cent (17 young people) felt their family and communities would feel afraid and fearful upon seeing images of knives posted online
  • Three young people (8 per cent) even admitted they would be more likely to carry a knife after seeing images of what had been confiscated where they live 

When asked how seeing an image of a confiscated knife on police social media accounts would make them feel, one young person said: “If I see someone is carrying something horrific in my area and all I’m carrying is a flick knife.. what do you think I’m gonna do?”

What was clear through the survey of young people and the workshops, was that for some young people seeing knives online does create a sense of fear and can also trigger knife-related trauma.

It also demonstrated that young people are supportive of the police tackling violence and removing dangerous weapons, but the overwhelming consensus was that instead of showing images of large knives, the Met should instead focus on the good work it is doing with communities and young people.

One young person said: “The Met constantly telling us there’s knives here just further normalises it as our reality.”

As a result of the evidence, and having listened to the concerns of young people, the VRU’s Young People’s Action Group recommends that the Met stop posting images of confiscated knives on social media because of the impact it has on some young people and communities, and in a very small number of cases, can lead to a young person choosing to pick up a knife to protect themselves.

The VRU and the YPAG are keen to work with the Met to support other ways of visually demonstrating its work with communities and young people have set out a series of recommendations, which includes interviews with officers and holding events with young people to focus on the work they are doing to make communities safer.

This approach would be similar to Thames Valley, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands, whose police forces have already taken a decision to stop posting images of knives seized on social media.

Jade Barnett, member of VRU’s Young People’s Action Group, said:

“The Young People’s Action Group wanted to examine the issue of knife imagery because we had heard from other young people and communities that posting images of knives on social media platforms creates a sense of fear.

“We know this impact is not universal – not all young people will be affected by seeing images of large knives online, but neither are all young people affected by violence.

“Whilst the research showed there was little effect, what it does suggest and was backed up by surveys and workshops directly with young people, is that some young people – including myself – have been desensitised in relation to seeing images of knives.

“It’s worrying to know that young people see this as a normality. What the sessions with young people did uncover is that there is a negative impact, based around fear and trauma, for a small group of young people who are already too close to violence. Why would be want to seek to subject these young people to further trauma? 

“I hope that this research is an eye opener and that the posting of knife imagery isn’t positively impacting the police’s relationships with our communities.

“I have high hopes that with the support of the VRU, including members of the YPAG, we will build a strong relationship with the Met to move away from posting images of knives and find other ways of demonstrating the work they are doing.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said:

“Listening to the voices of young people is an integral part of our approach to tackling violence, which is rooted in prevention and early intervention.

“That’s why we supported our Young People’s Action Group who felt very strongly about the complex issue of knife imagery.

“What is clear is that while, for the large majority of the young people we surveyed, there is little effect of seeing images of knives online, the impact for a smaller group of young people who may be affected by violence, is much more profound.

“Both the research and peer-led workshops and surveys demonstrated that our young people have become desensitised to seeing images on social media of large knives confiscated where they live. That really can’t be right or acceptable in society.

“We know that’s the exact opposite of what’s intended by the police who share our determination to tackle violence and make our communities safer for all Londoners. It’s important we listen to our young people and take action now to stop posting images.”   

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, Louisa Rolfe, said:

“We value the involvement of young Londoners, on the important and ongoing debate around sharing images of knives on social media. We look forward to working with the Young People’s Action Group, to understand their recommendations and how it could affect our communications around knife-crime.

“Historically we have shared images to highlight the work of our officers and their successful results. This has helped to reassure communities that the Met is committed to targeting those carrying weapons and fuelling violence our streets.  Other research has suggested this is important to communities.

“We are an evidence-driven organisation, and that extends to the way in which we communicate with Londoners. We look forward to reviewing the results of this research and engaging with our communities,  which will inform our approach moving forward.”

Youth Time Magazine

Youth Unity: Challenging Narratives and Empowering Young People

by with No Comment StopNAsk

An interview by YouthTime Magazine

Youth Unity are working hard in the UK to change the story of young people and help them with their issues. We spoke to them to find out more.

Youth Unity CIC is an innovative space for youth empowerment, and a non-profit organisation established to provide effective help and support to vulnerable young people and adults affected by group violence (gangs), drugs and other forms of exploitation such as human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and extremism. 

With offices in Kent, London and Essex, the organisation works successfully in close collaboration with statutory organisations, commissioned services and charities, by offering workshops, projects and training for young people and professionals.

In this piece, Youth Time features its contribution for young people’s wellbeing by speaking to Paul McKenzie, Youth Unity’s Head of Communications.

Introducing Youth Unity

At the beginning of our conversation, McKenzie talks about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in their activities, whereas further in the interview, he sheds light on their key activities and the 4Ps (Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare).

“With the current rise in serious youth violence and the impact of COVID-19, we created a dedicated hub for the overall wellbeing of young people from all ethnicities,” he explains, whilst adding that the organisation challenges the narrative portraying young people as bad.

Youth Unity’s focus is early intervention and early identification of those ‘at risk’ from gangs, serious youth violence, criminal exploitation and associated vulnerability strands.

To better understand this, McKenzie adds that this is something consistent with the Government’s 4P approach and contained within the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy. 

“This strategy effectively coordinates national joint working to reduce the level of serious and organised crime affecting our local communities. 

“It uses the framework often referred to as the 4Ps and strengthens a partnership approach to safeguarding our most vulnerable and tackling offenders.”

Prevent, Prepare and Protect

As McKenzie explains, their key objectives are consistent with this strategy and approach:

Prevent: To stop people becoming gang members, being exploited or taking part in violence.

Prepare: To effectively mitigate risks through preventative measures and innovative, creative media early intervention. With the aim to kick start conversations, build resilience and inspire change around complex social issues.

Protect: To strengthen adults and young people by building their emotional and cognitive (thinking) resilience, better enabling them to ‘say no’ to gangs, violence, drugs, crime and other forms of exploitation and vulnerability themes.

Youth Unity works with schools, colleges, police forces, social services, LSCBs, charities, borough councils, county councils, private businesses, national government agencies to deliver productions, workshops and training for young people and adults across the United Kingdom.

Raising Awareness About Mental Health

Currently, it is also working with several organisations to raise awareness around mental health.

“We feel the pandemic has had a massive impact on youth. With this in mind, we set out to deliver specific online workshops that are interactive and informative for all. 

“We selected several professionals to work alongside parents and young people.”

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Working Hard: Paul McKenzie

The workshops raised awareness and helped to enable participants to understand the early signs of a mental health issue.

“We are also delivering valuable support to young people challenged with grooming and county lines. 

“There is an increase in the deliberate manipulation of young people, and we feel that more than ever before, we need to inform young people of the dangers etc,” McKenzie says.

The workshops explore topics such as criminal exploitation, social media misuse, grooming, building positive relationships, and the law.

GroomSafe

Youth Unity also offers advice, and guidance to many families and individuals affected by Criminal Exploitation and grooming.

“Although because of a lack of funding, we are only available via telephone. Soon we will include a mentoring provision that will enable more one-to-one work with young people and their families.”

GroomSafe has recently worked on a film project with several young people at risk of Criminal Exploitation and serious youth violence.

“During the pandemic we could create a short film that addresses manipulation and grooming, we engaged young people in basic film making and editing, to produce William an awareness film to help others facing the challenges above.”

“We have entered the short film into several film festivals, we are expecting outstanding success on this. We also intend to duplicate this process to produce another short film about online abuse.“

To date, McKenzie goes on, Youth Unity believes young people need advice and awareness to enable them to make more informed decisions in life.

“By actively raising this awareness and reaching out to young people on a grassroots level, we effect the change that they need to help avoid exploitation and grooming,” he concludes. 

About Paul McKenzie

Paul McKenzie is Professional Public Speaker, Life Coach/NLP Master Practitioner, Film Director/Producer and Author.

Paul has enjoyed changing the lives of hundreds of people over the last 20 years. 

Through his filmmaking he has developed a platform designed to provide a space for individuals within the community to express their brilliance, speak their truth and encourage the lives of others.

This is achieved by producing short powerful films that highlight specific issues and capture the unique essence of everyday people’s stories, which are now award winning.  

These films and documentaries are shared internationally and contain inspirational, thought provoking material, and reaches out to the heart of the community.

Paul remains proud to have contributed to some major changes in the way Youth Unity addresses specific issues that challenge communities, especially the issues that affect the youth.

Follow Youth Unity on Facebook and Instagram to find out more about the company and support their work.