The Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group were scheduled to discuss body worn video footage of stop and searches in the borough, receive updates from Streetbase and the Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG) and review quarterly stop and search data. The Group were also scheduled to receive an update on the Safeguarding Stop and Search Pilot.

Safeguarding Stop and Search Pilot

Detective Sergeant Johnny Baker of the missing person and child exploitation team was scheduled to update the Group on a pan-London pilot that originated in the London Borough of Haringey. The pilot seeks to use data collected during searches, where no further action was taken, to inform safeguarding practices in the borough. The Group were scheduled to hear that the pilot, which was in a 6-week test phase, would seek to identify safeguarding concerns around young people in the borough, including looked after children.

In cases where a young person was stopped but no further action was taken following their search, any safeguarding concerns could thereafter be raised with the relevant local authority for further analysis.

Minutes of Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group, 07 October 2024

Body Worn Footage Viewing Session

The Group were scheduled to review footage from two body worn cameras. They were also scheduled to review paperwork associated with a search that was not recorded on body worn video, despite multiple officers being present.

Stop and Search Statistics

The Group were scheduled to review the latest quarterly stop and search statistics.

Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG) and Streetbase Update

The Group were scheduled to receive an update on the Metropolitan Police's new Children's Strategy from the Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG). They were also scheduled to hear about recent engagement work undertaken with young people by Streetbase, an organisation that delivers youth work programmes in East London.

Action Notes

The Group were also scheduled to receive an update on the following action points set at prior meetings:

• Whether body worn footage chosen for review by the Group could be selected from a specific geographical area.
• Whether members of the Group could attend procedural justice training delivered by the Metropolitan Police.
• Opportunities for the police to engage with local partners to improve the environment in designated stop and search areas.

• An update on the Stop and Search Advocacy delivered by Spark2Life, a Waltham Forest-based charity that provides mentoring and advocacy services to young people.

  Minutes Public Pack 07102024 Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group Stop and Search Action Tracker October 2024