STOP AND SEARCH SUPPORT

Supporting People with Complaints - Youth Support

Over the past year, HISSMG has provided advice and information to numerous young people in Haringey through our outreach work. We understand how upsetting being stopped and searched can be, especially for young people. Our community-led group is here to provide advice, help, and genuine support if you have complaints about your treatment by the police.

We can help you write the complaint and act on your behalf – so you don't need to have further contact with the police if you don't want to.  With your written consent, we can also get a copy of the stop and search record and apply to view the Body Worn Video of your encounter with the police in order to assess what the police did that was wrong, if anything.

All our help and advice with police complaints is strictly confidential.  We do not pass on any information to the police or any other person without your permission.

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Common Problems We Help With

Many young people in Haringey reach out to Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group after experiencing an unjust or distressing stop and search encounter with police. These are the top three issues we support people in making complaints to the police about:

  • Racial stereotyping: Young people, particularly those from Black and minority backgrounds, feel unfairly targeted if stopped when carrying out everyday activities like cycling or hanging around in areas the police consider hot spots for crime. This can erode trust and amplify feelings of resentment towards the police.
  • Rudeness or aggression from officers: We regularly hear stories about officers speaking harshly, behaving in an intimidating manner, or not listening when young people try to explain why they don't believe the police have grounds to search them.  It can also be frightening and intimidating when several police officers surround the person, when only one or two are needed to carry out the search.  This can leave a lasting negative impression, particularly when suspicions of wrongdoing are unfounded in two out of every three stops and searches.
  • Unnecessary use of handcuffs: Even when someone is calm, polite, and compliant, some officers still choose to use handcuffs before searching them.  This can be distressing and humiliating to the person, and damaging in the eyes of members of the public observing, especially when no use of force is clearly justified.

Through our monitoring, advice, and support, we help bring these issues to light, and importantly, hold the police to account when things go wrong.

 

Three men walking on a city street wearing casual winter clothing with one man on the phone while the others smile and engage in conversation

Why Making a Complaint is Important

While many young people in Haringey feel discouraged from making a formal complaint after a stop and search, standing up for your rights matters. Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group has been by the side of young people, including cases like Child A, a 16-year old Black boy stopped and searched six times by police in just four months. As a result, an IOPC investigation was launched into the behaviour of eight officers for gross misconduct.

Making a complaint helps you reclaim your voice and can bring about positive change, both personally and across the wider Haringey community. It sends a clear message that unfair, discriminatory, or aggressive policing will not be ignored. If you need guidance on how to start, our team provides free information and support every step of the way.

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Stop and Search Resources

Know Your Rights: Stop and Search Advice

Too many young people do not know their full rights when they are stopped and searched. Our group is committed to making sure you understand what police are and are not allowed to do across Haringey, whether you are in Wood Green, Hornsey, or Tottenham. We are preparing a downloadable info sheet filled with clear, honest guidance to help you protect yourself and know what you should expect.

Check back soon for our easy-to-read resource, or get in touch for personal advice from Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group on your specific situation.

Ten Top Tips for Surviving a Stop and Search

It can be daunting facing officers on the street, so we will soon make available a practical, downloadable guide with the ten best tips to help you look after yourself if you are stopped and searched. From understanding your rights to staying calm and asking the right questions, our tips will give you confidence and may help you avoid being searched at all.

While the resource is in development, Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group is available to give advice and guidance if you want further support on the phone or by email.

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Help with Police Complaints

If you are a young person feeling anxious, angry, or let down by how you were treated after a stop and search in Haringey, you are not alone. We are a recognised independent community monitoring group, and we support individuals experiencing all types of complaint, from rudeness and stereotyping to escalation and misuse of force. Whether you need advice, emotional support, or guidance through the complaint process, we are here to help.

To talk confidentially, or for impartial stop and search information, email enquiries@hissmg.co.uk or call 07763 681 371. We are committed to supporting people through complaints and making a positive difference in Haringey.