POLICE officers in the region have been praised for their use of stop and search powers, just months after a report told them they ‘required improvement’.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) reported it is confident that West Mercia Police officers are using their stop and search powers proportionately and lawfully.

It follows a HMIC report in February 2016 which temporarily suspended officers from the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme after being told they 'required improvement’.

Officers in the force have now been reinstated on the scheme this week.

Amanda Blakeman, Assistant Chief Constable, said: "West Mercia Police has a clear vision for stop and search and that is to achieve the highest level of trust and confidence in our use of stop and search as a means for tackling crime and keeping your streets safe.

"Our officers and staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are continuously compliant with the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.

"Stop and search is an important power and method of engaging with the public that enables us to maintain order and create safer places for people to live."

During the suspension the force continued to use stop and search where it felt appropriate.

As a result, the force believes stop and search is more effective and targeted by being more intelligence led and allowing the public to scrutinise the use of their powers.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: "The appropriate use of stop and search means our communities are protected and the public are treated proportionately.

"I am pleased to see that a number of improvements have been made, and I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure West Mercia Police are using Stop and Search in the best possible way."

To ensure accountability, comprehensive monthly stop and search data is also published at westmercia.police.uk/article/15365/Data--Statistics.