Cameron: 'Boost police stop and search powers'
Updated on 30 January 2008
David Cameron has said he wants to scrap restrictions on controversial police stop-and-search powers in a bid to reduce gun and knife crime.
He said "far more" on-the-spot action was needed and said he will take on critics who say the tactic causes problems for ethnic minorities, who are more likely to be stopped.
Mr Cameron insisted black and Asian youngsters would benefit most from his plans, as they were the ones being stabbed and shot.
He said racist attitudes in the police had now changed and as a result the new regime could be carried out without allegations of racism being leveled at officers.
Last year figures showed that black people were seven times more likely than whites to be stopped and searched by police, while Asians were about twice as likely.
Mr Cameron said: "This is not about race. It's about stopping crime and reducing the number of victims of crime. The statistics are undeniable and it's clear by carrying out more stops and searches it is the black and Asian communities who will benefit the most."
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.
