AN AWARENESS model has been launched at a Basingstoke College to enable police and young people to grow and help with learning on both sides regarding stop and search incidents.

The model has been launched by the Basingstoke Unites Against Racism (BUAR) together with Queen Mary’s College (QMC) and Hampshire Constabulary.

The Stop and Search Awareness Advocate Model was launched to mark the second anniversary of BUAR.

The model adds on to the youth awareness workshops that have run in the last couple of years within Basingstoke secondary schools and colleges.

According to BUAR, stop and search ethnicity facts and figures published last month indicated that there were 7.5 stop and searches for every 1000 white people, compared to 52.6 for every 1000 black people (seven times more).

The statistics said in England and Wales between April 2020 and March 2021 there were 697,405 searches.

Effie Blankson, co-founder of BUAR, said: “Make no mistake, the facts are clear. The disproportionate numbers of black people stopped and searched is as alarming as it was over a decade ago which is why we have made no apologies when we began on this journey to prioritise our black youth in arming them with the knowledge of their rights and responsibilities in this event. It is a matter of life and death.

“Nonetheless the vision is to empower each one of us regardless of race and ethnicity. If we are to teach our youth on true allyship then we must equally equip them”.

Katherine Bejide, a teacher of psychology at QMC who spearheaded the advocate model reflected on how discussions around negative experiences between the youth and the police led to the creation of this model.

The model, currently aimed at secondary school and college young people, will enable police and young people to grow and help with learning on both sides regarding stop and search and stop and account.

Through the model schools can have a designated member of staff within their team who is trained in understanding the process. Young people know there is somebody in house for them who will be their champions in the event something goes wrong.

Ms Bejide said: “It's not about catching anybody out, this model is to ensure care of our young people, open communication with the police and equal access two knowledge about their rights.

To be an advocate is to ensure transparency, accountability, education, a safe space and a bridge. I believe it’s the first of its kind. As a model, it's unique and most importantly it demonstrates the power of community and teamwork”.

She also thanked QMC for their support.

Mark Henderson, a teacher at QMC, reflected on how teenagers behave in a group and the need for curriculum to be developed that directly helps them.

Deputy mayor, Cllr David Leeks, said Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council supports the model.

He said: “We're still on a journey and today was a huge step about working together and all of us taking up a role of responsibility in different forms.”

Superintendent Karen McManus, former District Commander of Basingstoke, said how much she was humbled having watched the workshop covered on BBC South Today, by some of the comments from our young people on their experiences.

She said: “The local BAME inquiry gave the police a good starting point. We welcome the challenge and thanks for being so challenging in your questioning of us, making us stop and think. It has made us try to do better all the time to effectively serve you”.

Deputy chief constable Ben Snuggs said: “Stop and search is a really important tactic. It’s got a bad press largely because of what the police over the years have done or not done and I'm delighted to see such a positive and proactive way of us explaining what we do, how we do it and being open-minded when we don't do well enough.

“Through this programme particularly it is giving young people, schools, colleges and the police far more transparency in relation to this really important tactic but one that we absolutely have to do well.”

He also reassured the Hampshire Constabulary's support to this programme.

Key to the success of the programme so far have been Chief Inspector (CI) Matthew Reeves and Police Sergeant (PS) Chris Brindley.

PS Brindley has run all workshops and training of advocates. He received a certificate and a lapel pin.

CI Matthew Reeves was described as a listening ear to issues around stop and search, never defensive, always patient, reflective and a massive support.

Catherine Redgrave, school improvement manager for Basingstoke schools, highlighted the ongoing work around the Basingstoke and Deane Diversity and Inclusion Partnership and how they are working together to create a real sense of belonging and a sense of self for all children in Basingstoke schools.

She expressed confidence that advocates will absolutely ensure that young people are not alone and offered full support for the programme.

Martin Flood from BUAR designed the logo for the model.

He said: “For those of us in the majority culture from which I know I am part and from where I speak it should not be that we only speak about the things that make us comfortable or uncomfortable.

“If we see pain, grieving in our family which is all of humanity we should grieve too and share that burden. We need a shift from not just being well I'm not racist to I'm absolutely anti-racist”.

The launch was covered by BBC South Today and is being aired today (Friday, June 24). Find out how you can get involved by visiting www.basingstokeunitesagainstracism.com.

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