Police in Kirklees have announced a significant reduction in the disproportionality of stop and search practices affecting black males, marking a major milestone in efforts to build trust and ensure fairness across the district.

New data released by West Yorkshire Police reveals that the rate of disproportionality has fallen from 3.8 to 2.8 per 1,000 population over the past 12 months.

While work remains to be done, the figures represent a tangible step toward eliminating racial disparity in the use of police powers.

According to Chief Insp Rebecca Calpin, who leads on Neighbourhoods and Partnerships in Kirklees, the improvement is the direct result of sustained, deliberate changes to frontline policing and oversight.

“This progress has not happened by chance,” said Chief Insp Calpin. “It reflects a concerted effort by our officers, our partners and the community members who continue to hold us to a high standard.”

The reduction follows a series of reforms implemented alongside SPARK (Scrutiny of Police Actions on Race in Kirklees), a community scrutiny group dedicated to overseeing police conduct.

Key changes introduced over the last year include:

• Enhanced officer training focused on strengthening the grounds for searches and improving decision-making;
• Mandatory use of Body-Worn Video, which is regularly reviewed to ensure accountability;
• More rigorous data analysis and local scrutiny to identify potential disparities early;
• Greater emphasis on intelligence-led policing to reduce the number of unnecessary or speculative searches;
• Embedding the national Police Race Action Plan into everyday operational practice.

Chief Insp Calpin emphasised that the work is about more than statistics; it is about ensuring that every interaction between police and the public is lawful, respectful and justified.

Fair policing leads directly to safer streets, stronger relationships and better outcomes for everyone in Kirklees,” she said.

“Although we are heading in the right direction, it is essential that we maintain momentum.

“Continuing to focus on fairness and proportionality helps us build public trust and repair historical tensions with communities who have felt over-policed.”

The partnership with SPARK has been described as critical to the force’s progress, providing honest challenge and ensuring that community voices remain central to operational decisions.

Chief Insp Calpin added: “Our partnership with SPARK has challenged us, supported us and helped ensure community voices remain at the heart of how we operate.

“We remain committed to going further. Every encounter matters. Every interaction shapes trust.”

West Yorkshire Police is calling on the people of Kirklees to play an active role in shaping the future of policing in their communities.

How to get involved:

• Join a Scrutiny Panel: Residents interested in overseeing stop and search practices are encouraged to contact SPARK or West Yorkshire Police to learn about volunteer opportunities;
• Share Your Experience: Whether positive or constructive, your feedback matters. Members of the public can share their views through local engagement surveys or by speaking with their neighbourhood policing team;
• Attend a Community Meeting: Stay informed and have your say by attending local policing forums and community events across Kirklees;
• Watch and Challenge: Body-Worn Video footage is available for review by independent scrutiny groups. If you have expertise or simply a passion for fairness, your perspective is welcome.

Chief Insp Calpin added: “We cannot build trust alone – it must be co-created with the people we serve.

“We invite everyone in Kirklees to step forward, get involved and help us ensure that fairness is not just an aspiration, but a reality on every street.”