New data sees record lows in January 2022, despite a section 60 order
STOP and search incidents are down in the Cardiff area, with 521 reported incidents by South Wales Police (SWP) in January 2022.
New data shows the number of reported incidents has decreased by 56% from January 2021, which saw 1,210 cases of stop and search by SWP.
This is similar to previous years with 1,093 incidents in January 2020 and 911 in January 2019.
The decrease occurred in spite of SWP issuing a Section 60 order on January 17 in the city centre, which allowed the police to stop and search without reasonable grounds for 24 hours.
In that time period – from 4:20pm on January 17 to 4:20pm on January 18 – there were just five arrests as a result of stop and search, making up 11.6% of all stop and search cases in that time. 72% resulted in no further action being taken.
During the section 60 order in January, 74.4% of stop and searches (32 cases) were for controlled drugs, and just 7% (3 cases) were for offensive weapons.
This is despite the police issuing the section 60 order after concerns over recent incidents of knife violence.
On stop and search, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Travis said: “Due to the nature of their work, police officers are occasionally confronted with a set of circumstances where using stop search powers and force is appropriate. Using these powers legitimately can result in more serious incidents or harm to the public and the subject being prevented.
“It is important to note that the vast majority of force used in South Wales involves verbal tactical communication and handcuffing of people being arrested.
“Police officers who carry out a stop search or use force must record it properly and the justification for doing so.”
Police are stepping up patrols across most of Cardiff after recent reports of violence which they fear could escalate.
A section 60 notice has been issued giving police powers to stop and search anyone in the highlighted area #CapitalReports pic.twitter.com/L7oZ0Pwa3o
— Capital Wales News (@CapitalWALNews) January 18, 2022
Some residents voiced their support for stop and search, despite its decreased use in January.
Donna Wainscott, from Canton, said: “We definitely need more stop and search, but it should not just target certain groups.”
Monette Batulayan, from Llanedeyrn, said: “I don’t mind stop and search, as long as there’s enough evidence.
“If it’s for the safety of the community, why not?”
#ARREST l #Cardiff SECTION 60 Notice update 🔽
18-yr-old man arrested on suspicion of robbery following incidents in #Roath #Adamsdown where men have been threatened for their electric scooters.
Section 60 Notice remains while enquiries continue.
🔗https://t.co/5uj74e8UBA
^ajh pic.twitter.com/XZjz1M1MnY— South Wales Police Cardiff (@SWPCardiff) January 18, 2022
Other residents have criticised the use of stop and search as ineffective.
Danny Solsburg, 46, from Princes Street in Roath, said: “Theft in my area is quite high and I don’t think stop and search will really affect that.
“It’s not addressing the core issues of why it’s happening in the first place. It’s an infringement of your civil rights to walk down the street.”
He believes the police should engage with the community more, instead of using stop and search.
