Bedfordshire Police joined the Home Office's Best Use of Stop and Search scheme which is avoluntary scheme designed to contribute to a significant reduction in the overall use of stop and search, deliver better and more intelligence-led stop and search, and improve arrest and other positive outcome ratios. It is also designed to provide the public with further information on the outcome of searches.
Stop and Search is a crucial policing tactic that enables us to serve the communities of Bedfordshire by protecting the public and fighting crime.
Our officers may conduct Stop and Search when they reasonably suspect that a person is in possession of an illegal item or something that may help them to commit crime. Whilst using powers available to them, officers are required to act in accordance with the Codes of Practice and treat people with respect and dignity.