Black People 48 Times More Likely to Be Stopped and Searched in Richest Parts of London

Black Londoners are up to 48 times more likely to be stopped and searched in some of London’s richest and whitest areas.

The grounds used to justify stop and searches were vaguer than those used for white Londoners, with one officer stopping a black Londoner because he gave a “furtive glance”.

The study, conducted by the mayor’s office for policing and crime and King’s College London, analysed every single stop and search carried out in 2023 and totalled over 150,000 records.

In 24 wards of London, including Richmond-on-Thames, black people were 48 times more likely to be stopped and searched, whilst in Dulwich Village they were 40 times more likely.

In Hampstead, north London, black people were 38 times more likely to be stopped. 

Across England and Wales, black people are four times more likely to be subjected to stop and search, whilst they are 3.7 times more likely in areas policed by the Met. Around two-thirds of stops lead to no action. 

The data also shows that around 80% of people stopped and searched each month is male and people aged 18-24 are most often targeted. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This major new research shows significant and unacceptable levels of disproportionality that we must act on. 

“That’s why along with the other steps to support and hold the Met to account, I am introducing a mandatory annual report of how stop and search is being used in London. The use of stop and search must be more transparent and accountable to deliver a safer and fairer London for all.”

Sophia Sheera is a journalist in Novara Media’s social media team.