Official figures from West Yorkshire Police show that 20,406 people were stopped and searched in 2020, equivalent to a rate of 890 per 100,000 people. This marks a 53 per cent increase in comparison to 2019’s figures. Figures reveal police the items police were looking for, including drugs, weapons and stolen goods, but not what they actually found. Although figures do show how many searches led to an arrest. So what do we know about stop and search in West Yorkshire? Here’s everything you need to know.
1. People searches
12,968 people were subject to a search of their person in 2020. 856 had their vehicle searched. Photo: Shutterstock
3. Male stop and searches
Men were most likely to be stopped and searched. They made up 92 per cent of recorded incidents. Photo: Shutterstock
4. Most common age
Those aged 18-24 were most likely to be stopped and searched. They made up 37 per cent of recorded incidents. Photo: Shutterstock