Haringey Independent Stop & Search Monitoring Group
Community Volunteers in Haringey
Taking Action - What We Do
At HISSMG, we are a team of community volunteers in Haringey dedicated to upholding fairness, accountability, and transparency in all stop and search practices. Each month, our team reviews Body Worn Video footage to check that police are upholding respect and proper conduct during stops and searches. We train new police recruits with real community experiences, offer independent advice for residents, help people know their rights regarding stop and search, and support those looking to make complaints if they feel treated unfairly. Our regular engagement with both residents and the police allows us to advocate for just, proportionate treatment in every neighbourhood.
Stop & Search Data Monitoring
Monitoring stop and search data is one of our core activities as community volunteers in Haringey. Each quarter, we analyse a comprehensive data set of stop and search statistics across the borough, looking at trends and whether certain groups are being unfairly targeted. We keep the process open and transparent by publicly sharing our findings and holding the police to account. If you need clear stop and search information or want to know more, we're here to help. This scrutiny is vital in ensuring community accountability and promoting fairness.
Body Worn Video Reviews
Our independent group of community volunteers regularly reviews random Body Worn Video footage of police stops in Haringey. Two members are invited each month to attend a local police station and view selected recordings. This process enables us to check that legal guidelines are followed, reasonable grounds are established, and respect is shown to all individuals stopped. These peer reviews are a key tool in supporting people through complaints, holding officers accountable, and protecting the rights of everyone in our community.
Police Training
The Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group actively partakes in police training to make sure new officers understand the community's perspective. Additionally, our Deputy Chair delivers sessions at the Met Police Training College in Hendon. Around every six months, we train new local recruits on how to treat people with dignity, follow correct procedures, and value feedback from local residents. Our approach brings together community voice and policing, making sure that new officers are well prepared to deliver respectful, fair service in Haringey and beyond.
Campaigning & London-Wide Engagement
Beyond local monitoring, we campaign for better policing across London. Our volunteers are members of advisory groups such as MOPAC's Disproportionality Board, the Metropolitan Police Community Reference Group, and the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) Community Reference Group. We campaign for lasting changes, represent local interests at a citywide level, and make sure the lessons learned in Haringey inform wider policy.
Useful Links
If you'd like to learn more, explore these trusted sources for up-to-date guidance, advice, and stop and search information:
StopWatch: Advocacy, research, and guidance about stop and search.
IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct): Information on making official complaints and understanding your rights.
Metropolitan Police Stop and Search Statistics Database: Detailed, transparent data on all stop and search activity across London.
Frequently Asked Questions
What statistics do HISSMG analyse?
We analyse quarterly statistics, including the number of stops, reasons for stopping people (e.g. for drugs, weapons etc.), outcome rates, and ethnic disproportionality rates.
How can I access stop and search information or statistics in Haringey?
You can contact our group or visit our website for resources, reports, and up-to-date statistics on stop and search practices in Haringey.
Why is handcuffing of compliant subjects a concern?
The frequent handcuffing of compliant subjects during a stop and search may be unnecessary and could breach legal guidelines, raising concerns about excessive use of police force.
How does HISSMG promote police accountability in Haringey?
We review statistics, scrutinise trends, review Body Worn Video footage of stops and searches and consult with the community about their experiences, ensuring transparency from the police.
How can I contact Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group?
You can email enquiries@hissmg.co.uk or call 07763 681 371 for support, information, or to get involved with our stop and search monitoring work.
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