NORTHUMBRIA Police is now fully compliant with a scheme which aims to increase public confidence in so-called stop and search powers.

The force was suspended from the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme last year after it was found not to be complying with three or more features of the scheme.

It was subject to a re-inspection over the summer along with six other forces, but has now achieved full compliance, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary said.

The scheme was launched in 2014 by the Home Office and the College of Policing with the aim of achieving greater transparency and community involvement in the use of stop and search.

Her Majesty’s Inspector Mike Cunningham said it was disappointing that it had taken some forces so long to be compliant, more than 18 months after they had volunteered to participate in the scheme.

He added: “HMIC has made recommendations for how the scheme itself can be developed. We believe that, in very exceptional circumstances, more flexibility with safeguards would be operationally beneficial.

“This is specifically in regards to the authorisation of the use of no-suspicion searches, when serious violence is anticipated.

“We also recommended revising the feature of the scheme which outlines how forces should monitor the use of stop and search powers, to include minimum monitoring standards.”