The Metropolis

New stop and search app could change the way we hold police to account

Mike Pollitt | Wednesday 2 May, 2012 12:14

Wired reports:

“Users can upload information when they’re stopped by the police to the Stop and Search UK site, including the location of the stop, the badge numbers of the officers involved, and any feedback they’d like included. There’s also a guide to the law regarding being stopped and searched, to help educate people about their rights. The hope is that, over time, a wider picture of stop and search powers will emerge across the country, which will in turn increase accountability over a police power which has drawn controversy in the past.”

The app, which is initially available on Blackberry, with further versions promised, may or may not be any good.

But it’s a pioneer. Ten years down the line, you can imagine an app like this, having accrued several years of data, becoming a force for holding public bodies accountable. It empowers people to become engaged in their communities, and it takes data out of the hands of the authorities into the hands of the public. These are both good things.

Blackberry App – Stop and Search UK
Wired – ‘Stop and Search’ app aims to keep tabs on the police
Via – @jon_bartley

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