Police carry out 30,000 stop and searches in West Midlands and Staffordshire

Home Office data shows officers in the West Midlands carried out 24,269 – up from 16,379 the year before.

Staffordshire Police carried out 6,346 stop and searches in the year to March – up from 4,343 the year before.

The power to stop and search is permitted under section one of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, allowing police to search people and vehicles for things like drugs or a weapon without a warrant.

Police forces across England and Wales carried out the highest number of stop and searches in seven years, with the figure rising by more than 50 per cent in 12 months to 558,973.

In the West Midlands, 56 per cent of searches by police were looking for drugs, with a further ​18 per cent for offensive weapons and four per cent for firearms.

And in Staffordshire, 63 per cent of searches by police were looking for drugs with a further 13 per cent for offensive weapons.

A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: "Stop and search is a powerful tool in our fight against crime. We are constantly reviewing how we use these powers to ensure they are fair and proportionate.

Disorder

"Section 60 is used in areas where there have been outbreaks of disorder and violence. Our levels are generally low, however last year there was a peak of around 1,800 stop and search under Section 60 within a two-month period, which followed the tragic and untimely deaths of three teenagers in Birmingham. Wherever possible we consult communities before undertaking Section 60 searches.

"We continue to work hard to secure the public’s trust on this sensitive issue and will continue to seek new ways to make these powers even more transparent and ensure they are used fairly and proportionally with all communities."

Staffordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Justin Bibby said “Stop and search helps police prevent crime, identify offenders and keep our communities safe. We are constantly reviewing our use of these powers to ensure they are used properly.

“Our stop and search data is published in reports to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and our body worn video footage of stop and search is regularly scrutinised by community-led panels.

“As a force we continue to examine and research disparity and work directly with local communities to ensure that stop and search powers are used in the right way.”

The National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for stop and search, Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock, said the power is an "important tool" to stop crime, and was responsible for the removal of 11,000 knives, firearms and other weapons from the streets last year.