WEST Mercia Police have been praised for its use of stop and search powers after being told this area of policing needed improvement earlier this year.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has reported it is confident the force's officers are using their powers proportionately and lawfully, which has led to it being reinstated on the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme this week.

In February, HMIC reported that West Mercia Police required improvement in using stop and search powers and was temporarily suspended from the best use scheme.

During the suspension the force continued to use stop and search where it felt appropriate, working towards it being more effective and targeted by it being more intelligence led, and allowing the public to scrutinise the use of the powers.

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.

"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."

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "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 on the force's website westmercia.police.uk/article/15365/Data--Statistics