EXCLUSIVE

by Dave Burke

dave.burke@essnmedia.co.uk

The number of emergency stop and search orders issued by police in Croydon has shot up over the last two years.

Figures obtained by the Advertiser under the Freedom of Information Act show that in 2008, the Met Police approved 99 orders.

This compares with just eight in 2005 and 15 in 2006.

Last week we revealed that more than 130 children were being stopped and searched every week in Croydon.

With normal stop and searches police can only search the specific individual they fear is carrying a weapon, drugs or stolen goods.

An emergency stop and search differs in that it allows officers to search anyone in the area.

They are only allowed if there is specific intelligence serious violence is going to take place, if officers want to track down a weapon used in a violent incident or if police believe people are carrying knives in a particular area.

Police chiefs deny the increase shows fights involving weapons are becoming more common in Croydon, and say instead that they are making better use of legislation.

On December 19 last year, an order was issued after a suspected gang member was stabbed.

Police feared rival gangs were going to clash in retaliation attacks, but say that making the order prevented bloodshed.

One arrest was made as a result, for drunk and disorderly conduct.

On January 13 this year, an order covering the entire borough was put in place after police learned of a planned fight between Selsdon High pupils.

Superintendent Phil Willis said: "We're trying to get to a stage where a youth is thinking of putting a knife in their pocket, but then thinking 'I'm going into Croydon, so I'd better not'."

Before starting Operation Safe For All, which is aimed at cutting down town centre violence, police consulted with local community groups, headteachers and youth groups and told them of their plan to do more stop and searches.

Supt Willis said: "They said it was what they wanted to see, and it's been a very successful tactic."

Emergency orders have to be signed by an inspector or superintendent before being allowed.

Richard Billington, who heads the Croydon Community Police Consultative Committee (CCPCC), says his group keeps a close eye on every order issued.

He added: "I think the increase in the number of stop and search orders is proportionate to the need out there on the streets.

"We're matching the resources to the needs, and it's a measure of the competence of the police that they're doing it.

"At the moment the community can be assured that it's being done in an appropriate and necessary way, but we'll continue to watch them like a hawk."

Police figures show 134 arrests were made as a result of the 99 orders.

Of these, three were for possession of a firearm, 17 for carrying an offensive weapon, and four for having weapons in schools.