A POLICE authority is backing measures to restrict officers' stop and search powers.

Under a code of practice introduced nationally on April 1, police are no longer able to invite people to volunteer to undergo searches.

Suspects who are stopped and questioned are handed receipts spelling out full details of the reasons.

The measures are being backed by Durham Police Authority, which is asking communities to help it monitor stop and search data.

It has pledged to make detailed records available for public scrutiny, and is logging people's names, addresses, and ethnic origins.

The system is designed to cultivate greater public understanding and acceptance of the practice of stopping and searching, which has been criticised by leaders of minority communities elsewhere in the country.

Between April 2002 and March 2003, Durham officers carried out 8,855 stop/searches resulting in 1,189 arrests.

Of those stopped, 48 were members of ethnic minority groups and four of them were arrested.

Durham county councillor Joe Knox, who chairs the police authority, said: "Stop and search powers nationally will continue to be a controversial area for policing until they are seen to be used in a fair and non-discriminatory way.

"Requiring officers to fill out more detailed written records when they search people should encourage the powers to be used appropriately and responsibly."

Durham Assistant Chief Constable Ron Hogg said: "One of our key priorities is to improve trust and confidence in the police, particularly among black and ethnic minority communities and young people."