Staffordshire Police have responded following a report that found forces around the country used stop and search powers disproportionately against black, Asian and ethnic minority groups.

A report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMICFRS) said police "still cannot explain" why stop and search powers are used more often on these groups.

In the year to March 2020, ethnic minorities were more than four times as likely to be stopped and searched as white people in England and Wales – with the figure almost nine times higher for black people specifically.

Black people were also over five and a half times more likely to have force used on them than white people, and the use of Tasers has been rising.

Staffordshire Police responded to the report in a statement today (Friday), saying that the local force is committed to using its powers "fairly and proportionately".

The statement can be read in full below:

"Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has today published a report on disproportionality in stop and search and the use of force.

"We are committed to doing everything we can in Staffordshire Police to ensure that these powers are used fairly and proportionately to prevent and detect crime and keep people safe.

"We have reviewed the practices and processes we have in place and have developed the training officers receive covering the use of force, and for carrying out stop and searches. This includes a focus on enhancing communication skills and personal safety training to de-escalate conflict, and improved use of body-worn video.

"Officers have also received training to help understand certain behaviours and attitudes and counter any biases.

"We have also reviewed and strengthened the governance and scrutiny around the use of these powers. There is a robust approach in the organisation to reviewing the use of force and stop and searches, with a focus on improving the use of body worn video. The force has quarterly working groups and monthly reporting on stop and searches and use of force, and we are focused on examining any local disparities in the use of these powers to understand the reasons behind this.

"Additionally, independent panels, which include representatives from local communities, review body worn footage of stop and search and use of force to address any issues and concerns which are raised and to identify best-practice and good examples. This helps to build and maintain the trust and confidence of local communities.

"Alongside this we are committed to ensuring that our workforce better reflects the communities we serve as we know this will lead to better decision making and improve further on our current performance."

Chief Constable Gareth Morgan said: "I welcome this report which challenges policing to renew its focus on ensuring that the use of force and stop and search powers is fair and effective. It is not good enough that 35 years after the introduction of stop and search, there are still questions about disproportionality in the use of these powers.

"We have taken clear action in Staffordshire Police to act on the recommendations made by HMICFRS and we are making good progress in strengthening our approach to training, governance and scrutiny around the use of force and stop and search and this is reflected in the latest figures.

"We continue to work closely with local people to listen to their views and to seek feedback on our approach to ensure that we maintain the trust and confidence of the diverse communities we serve."

HM Inspector of Constabulary Wendy Williams said: "The tragic killing of George Floyd in America in early 2020, and subsequent protests in the UK and globally, have highlighted once again the significant impact that police interaction can have – particularly on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, communities.

"The public rightly expects the police to protect them by using their powers in an effective and fair manner. Unfair use of powers can be counter-productive if it leads people to think it is acceptable to not comply with the law. It may also make people unwilling to report when they are the victim of crime or come forward as witnesses.

"Police forces must analyse their data and either explain, with evidence, the reasons for disproportionality, or take clear action to address it. The police must be able to show the public that their use of these powers is fair, lawful and appropriate, or they risk losing the trust of the communities they serve.

"We know that the proportion of stop and searches that actually find drugs is very low, and the disproportionate use of these powers on BAME people is having a damaging impact on public trust.

"We are therefore calling on police leaders to consider if focusing stop and search on drugs possession is an effective use of these powers, and to better explain the reasons for disproportionality. It is clear that now is the time to have an evidence-based national debate."