Leicestershire Police stop-and-searches drop by 80%

The number of stop and searches Leicestershire Police has carried out has dropped from 25,000 to 5,000 in the past three years through being "more transparent and efficient", the force said.

In July, the home secretary began a public consultation on current police powers of stop and search to find out if they are being used appropriately and fairly.

According to the Home Office, the results of the consultation, which lasts until 24 September, will "shape future work with HMIC, the College of Policing, police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure stop and search works fairly and in the interests of all members of the public".

In 2010, Leicestershire Police were heavily criticised over their stop and search procedures but have now changed their policies.