STOP AND SEARCH ACTIVITY 2024/25

A total of 40,162 stop and searches were carried out between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, which is 21.6% more when compared to the previous year. The overall positive rate was 24.6% which means a prohibited item was taken off Scotland’s streets from one in every four stop and searches. The rise in stop and search figures is, in part, likely driven by improved recording and governance. It may also reflect increased officer awareness – supported by training and development– as well as greater confidence in use of the tactic and legislation. This has led to more consistent use and improved reporting.

The NSSU actively engages with local policing divisions to support accurate and compliant recording of stop and search activity in line with the Code of Practice. This includes delivering inputs to probationer officers to instil good understanding on the use of the tactic and recording practices from the outset, providing briefings and guidance to supervisors to ensure consistent oversight, and attending local Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings to offer support.

An additional element of the internal scrutiny of stop and search is the monitoring of Complaints about the Police (CAPs) related to the use of the tactic. Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 a total of 133 allegations were made which included stop and search as part of the complaint. This comprised of 52 allegations concerning officer behaviour, 80 relating to procedure or the Code of Practice, and 1 unspecified. From the Complaints which have been concluded by the Professional Standards Department, 47 were abandoned/withdrawn, 37 were resolved by Front Line Resolution and 19 were not upheld. Whilst no new learning notes or emerging trends were identified from complaints closed between April 2024 and March 2025, we continue to review and scrutinise complaints as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.