Scottish government backs down on new stop and search powers

The Scottish government has backed down over the creation of a new power for police to search young people for alcohol, after listening to the views of young people as well as justice and children’s groups.

Responses to the consultation from 130 individuals and organisations, and conversations with young people with experience of being searched, found there is not enough evidence at this time to support a new power.

More evidence will be gathered for 12 months after a new stop and search code of practice comes in to force next year, before the policy will be reviewed again.

A separate consultation on the new code found widespread support to extend it to specifically cover practice relating to children, adults at risk and vulnerable adults, and this will be taken forward.

John Scott QC, chair of the advisory group, (pictured), said: “When the advisory group recommended further consultation, we emphasised the importance of involving children and young people. What was arranged by the Scottish government has captured our intention in a most impressive manner.

“This consultation exercise provides a new benchmark for consultation exercises involving and affecting children and young people. With the considerable assistance of individuals, groups and networks, we now have a much clearer idea of the impact of police activity, both positive and negative, on some of our younger citizens.

“Having participated in some of the consultation process, I have been impressed with the energy and enthusiasm, not only of the children and young people who participated but also of the government officials and officers of Police Scotland who took part. I am grateful to all who contributed.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson added: “We welcome the range of views provided, particularly over the issue of powers to search for alcohol. We want to make the right decision, which is why we will gather more evidence while the code of practice is in place before considering the issue further.”

Assistant chief constable Mark Williams said: “While police officers require to have sufficient powers to allow them to intervene and recover alcohol, there is a balance to be struck between Police Scotland’s absolute commitment to protect children and young people and ensuring that we maintain and sustain good relationships, trust and confidence.

“The views of children and young people are really important to Police Scotland and have helped shape new national training on the use of stop and search which is currently being rolled out to all officers in advance of the code being introduced.”