Former Met chief criticizes stop and search tactics in London

Neil Basu, a former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has openly criticized the stop and search tactics employed by police forces in London. He revealed that he has been regularly targeted by officers due to his Asian descent, with incidents occurring as recently as two weeks ago. Basu argues that these tactics are often used to create an illusion of being tough on crime, but he believes that much of their application is unlawful and unjustified. Basu's comments highlight a significant issue regarding the relationship between law enforcement and ethnic minority communities. He asserts that the frequent use of stop and search has led to a severe erosion of trust among these groups towards the police. This breakdown in trust is particularly concerning given Basu's position as the highest-ranking police officer of Asian descent in the last three decades. During his remarks to The Times Crime and Justice Commission, Basu expressed his confidence that he is likely the only chief constable in recent history to have experienced such regular stops. His experiences serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by police in maintaining community relations, especially in diverse urban areas like London. The implications of Basu's statements are profound, as they call for a reevaluation of policing strategies and their impact on community trust. The need for reform in stop and search practices is evident, as the current approach may further alienate minority communities and hinder effective policing.