Police must show atop and search as well as use of force is fair or risk losing public trusts

POLICE forces must explain the disproportionate use of Police powers such as stop and search and use of force on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people or risk losing the trust of the communities they serve, a report published today has found. Her Majesty�s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said that despite having more data on the use of force and stop and search, Police forces are still unable to explain why these powers are used disproportionately based on ethnicity. The inspectorate said that over 35 years since the introduction of stop and search, the Police still cannot explain why these powers are used disproportionately. HMICFRS found that the most common reason given for the use of these powers is due to suspected drug possession. This unfairness risks further reducing public trust in the Police and could lead to more Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people being drawn into the criminal justice system. As a result, the inspectorate is calling on Police leaders to consider whether focusing stop and search on tackling drug possession is an effective use of these powers. HMICFRS also called for Police forces to analyse their data and either explain, with evidence, the reasons for disproportionally in stop and search and use of force, or take clear action to address it. 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 disproportionally, 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 disproportionally. It is clear that now is the time to have an evidence based national debate."

Total UK cases Covid19 cases in and around Liverpool City Region

THE total number of UK Coronavirus (Covid19) infections that have been laboratory confirmed, within the UK, has risen by:- 731,410 cases and the total number now stand at:- 85,925,041 that includes tests carried out by commercial partners which are not included in the 4 National totals.

The total number of Covid19 associated UK fatalities added to the total, was sadly reported to be:- 290 within 28 days of positive test, according to the Department of Health. The total number of deaths of people who have had a positive test result confirmed by a Public Health or NHS laboratory is:- 122,705, within 28 days of positive test. Deaths with Covid19 on the death certificate:- 135,613.

The number of Covid19 patients currently in UK Hospitals:- 14,808. The current number of Covid19 patients currently in mechanical ventilation beds in UK Hospitals:- 1,971 Daily number of Covid19 patients admitted to UK Hospitals:- 1,111.

In England, there are a total of:- 3,653,272 confirmed cases. North West - total of:- 575,038 confirmed cases.

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within the Liverpool City Region are as follows:-

Area and number of confirmed cases:- Risen by:-

Liverpool City Region

Nation Lockdown

National UK Restrictions.

► Liverpool, 47,203 confirmed cases.
53

► Halton, 11,545 confirmed cases. 12

► Knowsley, 16,968 confirmed cases. 29

► Sefton, 23,111 confirmed cases.
33

► St. Helens, 16,406 confirmed cases.
46

► Wirral, 23,686 confirmed cases.

30

Colour Key:- 0 1 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 41 to 50 51 to 100 100 to 199 200 & over

The number of laboratory confirmed cases within Local Authorities around the Liverpool City Region, since start of the Pandemic, are as follows:-

► Blackburn with Darwen, 17,133 confirmed cases.

► Blackpool, 8,853 confirmed cases.

► Bolton, 24,236 confirmed cases.

► Bury, 16,334 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire East, 19,721 confirmed cases.

► Cheshire West and Chester, 20,600 confirmed cases.

► Lancashire, 92,685 confirmed cases.

► Manchester, 49,797 confirmed cases.

► Oldham, 21,587 confirmed cases.

► Preston, 12,880 confirmed cases.

► Rochdale, 19,816 confirmed cases.

► Salford, 21,723 confirmed cases.

► Stockport, 19,530 confirmed cases.

► Tameside, 16,943 confirmed cases.

► Trafford, 15,619 confirmed cases.

► Warrington, 16,971 confirmed cases

► Wigan, 27,249 confirmed cases

Total UK people who have received vaccination

1st Dose 2nd Dose

19,682,048 768,810

Jab Stats correct as of 25 February 2021

The vaccination programme began on 8 December 2020 with people receiving the Vaccine developed by Pfizer / BioNTech, and people began receiving the Oxford University / AstraZeneca Vaccine from 4 January 2021. Both Vaccine s are given as 2 doses, at least 21 days apart, for a full vaccination course.

Daily reported Covid19 deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the 1st laboratory confirmed positive Covid19 test. Daily and cumulative numbers of Covid19 patients admitted to Hospital. Data are not updated every day by all 4 nations and the figures are not comparable as Wales include suspected Covid19 patients while the other nations include only confirmed cases.

The latest R number is estimated at:- 0.6 to 0.9 with a daily infection growth rate range of:- -6% to -2%, as of 26 February 2021.