By Adedayo Alli ESQ.
Introduction
Across the globe, the practice of stop-and-search policing serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial profiling and systemic injustice faced by Black communities. In Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States, these practices disproportionately target individuals based on their race, perpetuating cycles of fear, distrust, and violence. This article delves into the complexities of stop-and-search policies in these three countries, highlighting historical contexts, statistical evidence, and the tireless efforts of activists who advocate for justice and reform.
By exploring the intertwined narratives of these nations, we can better understand how policing practices reflect broader societal issues and the urgent need for systemic change. Activists like Harrison Gwamnishu and Femi Falana in Nigeria, Doreen Lawrence and Lee Jasper in the UK, and DeRay Mckesson and Al Sharpton in the United States serve as beacons of hope in the ongoing fight against racial injustice. Their work sheds light on the human impact of these practices and the essential reforms needed to ensure equitable treatment for all.
A Global Phenomenon with Local Roots
Historical Context
The roots of stop-and-search practices are entrenched in the political and social histories of each country.
In the United States, the 1968 Supreme Court ruling in Terry v. Ohio established the legal framework for stop-and-frisk policies, permitting police officers to stop individuals based on “reasonable suspicion.” However, these practices quickly morphed into widespread racial profiling, particularly targeting Black and Hispanic individuals. A staggering 685,000 stops were recorded in New York City in 2011 alone, with 87% of those affected being Black or Latino (New York Civil Liberties Union, 2013).
In the United Kingdom, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984 allowed law enforcement to stop and search individuals without a warrant. Despite intentions to curb crime, the reality revealed stark disparities. In 2021, the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported that Black individuals were nearly nine and a half times more likely to be stopped than their White counterparts (Office for National Statistics, 2022). The policies were often justified under the guise of preventing drug-related crimes, yet studies consistently demonstrate that Black individuals face disproportionate scrutiny without corresponding evidence of higher involvement in such offenses.
In Nigeria, the lack of formalized stop-and-search laws has not prevented rampant abuses by police units like the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This notorious unit became synonymous with extortion, arbitrary detention, and violence, particularly targeting young men in urban areas. The #EndSARS protests of 2020 galvanized public outrage against these abuses, revealing a deep-seated demand for reform and accountability.
Statistics Speak Louder Than Words
Data from Nigeria, the UK, and the US highlight the racial disparities inherent in stop-and-search practices, revealing a pattern of discrimination that spans continents.
• United States: A report by the Stanford Open Policing Project found that Black drivers are 20% more likely to be stopped by police than White drivers, despite similar rates of contraband discovery (Stanford Open Policing Project, 2020). In New York City, Black individuals represented 56% of stop-and-frisk incidents, although they account for only 24% of the population (New York Police Department, 2020).
• United Kingdom: According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Black individuals were subject to stop-and-search at a rate 9.5 times higher than White individuals in 2021. London data showed that Black residents accounted for over 27% of stop-and-search incidents, despite representing only 13% of the city’s population (IOPC, 2021).
• Nigeria: While comprehensive data remains elusive, reports indicate that 70% of young men in urban Nigeria have experienced police stops. Many of these interactions escalate into demands for bribes or intimidation (Amnesty International, 2020). The #EndSARS protests underscored the severity of these abuses, prompting a renewed focus on police reform.
Activists Leading the Fight Against Stop-and-Search Abuses
The pervasive injustices of stop-and-search practices have galvanized a diverse array of activists across the globe, each working to combat systemic discrimination and advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
Harrison Gwamnishu (Nigeria)
Harrison Gwamnishu, a prominent human rights advocate, has emerged as a formidable voice against police brutality in Nigeria. As the founder of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, Gwamnishu has dedicated himself to exposing police corruption and offering legal support to victims of abuse. His tireless work during the #EndSARS protests involved documenting human rights violations and mobilizing youth to demand systemic reforms, highlighting the urgent need for accountability within Nigeria’s policing systems.
Femi Falana (Nigeria)
Femi Falana, a renowned lawyer and activist, has been a pivotal figure in advocating for justice and accountability in Nigeria. His legal battles against police misconduct, particularly during the #EndSARS protests, have brought to light the systemic abuses faced by marginalized communities. Falana’s influence extends beyond legal advocacy; he calls on Nigerian leaders and international bodies to implement reforms that protect human rights and ensure police accountability.
Doreen Lawrence (United Kingdom)
Doreen Lawrence has become an emblem of racial justice advocacy in the UK, particularly following the racially motivated murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence, in 1993. Her relentless pursuit of justice unveiled deep flaws in the police investigation, ultimately leading to significant reforms in how the UK addresses racial discrimination. As a member of the House of Lords, Lawrence continues to advocate against racial biases entrenched in stop-and-search practices, demanding transparency and accountability in policing.
Lee Jasper (United Kingdom)
A prominent figure in the UK, Lee Jasper has been a vocal critic of police violence and racial profiling for decades. As a former senior policy advisor on Equalities to the Mayor of London, Jasper has worked tirelessly to address the racial disparities inherent in stop-and-search policies. His advocacy focuses on promoting community engagement and ensuring that policing practices are equitable and just for all individuals, regardless of race.
DeRay Mckesson (United States)
DeRay Mckesson has emerged as a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, advocating against police violence and racial injustice. Through his organization, Campaign Zero, Mckesson promotes data-driven policy solutions to end police violence and racial bias in policing. His activism gained widespread recognition during the 2014 protests in Ferguson, Missouri, where he focused on dismantling the systemic issues underlying stop-and-frisk practices that disproportionately affect Black communities.
Al Sharpton (United States)
Reverend Al Sharpton has been a long-standing advocate for civil rights, often highlighting cases of police misconduct and the injustices faced by Black individuals. As the founder of the National Action Network, Sharpton uses his platform to demand justice in high-profile cases, addressing the racial profiling inherent in stop-and-search practices. His work has kept the issues of racial disparity in American policing at the forefront of public discourse, advocating for reforms that protect marginalized communities.
The Human Rights Perspective: Violations and Global Criticism
International human rights organizations have condemned racially biased stop-and-search practices as violations of core human rights, particularly the rights to equality, freedom from discrimination, and personal security. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, enshrines these principles, yet stop-and-search practices often disregard them for marginalized communities.
In the United States, the landmark case Floyd v. City of New York (2013) challenged the constitutionality of stop-and-frisk, with the court ruling that the NYPD’s practices were racially discriminatory. Similarly, the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission has called for urgent reforms in stop-and-search, advocating for transparency, independent oversight, and greater accountability in police conduct.
In Nigeria, the #EndSARS movement became a global symbol of resistance against police abuses. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned SARS abuses as egregious violations of human rights, emphasizing the need for systemic reform within Nigeria’s policing. Activists like Gwamnishu and Falana have been instrumental in keeping international attention on Nigeria’s policing challenges, advocating for reforms that align with international human rights standards.
Toward a Future of Justice and Accountability
The collective efforts of activists across Nigeria, the UK, and the US underscore a shared vision for justice and accountability that transcends borders. To dismantle the systemic racism embedded in stop-and-search practices, a multifaceted approach is essential.
• Policy Reforms and Oversight: Implementing and enforcing policies that mitigate racial biases is paramount. This includes the use of body-worn cameras, implicit bias training for officers, and stricter justifications for stop-and-search actions. Establishing independent review boards, inclusive of community leaders, can enhance accountability and ensure grievances are addressed.
• International Advocacy and Local Empowerment: Activists have shown that raising international awareness can pressure governments to adopt fairer policing practices. Grassroots movements, alongside global advocacy, can create a powerful coalition for change, demanding justice and systemic reforms that reflect the values of equality and respect for human rights.
• Community Engagement and Education: Educating communities about their rights and the legal frameworks governing police conduct can empower individuals to stand against injustices. Community engagement initiatives that promote dialogue between police and citizens can foster understanding and rebuild trust.
Conclusion
The pervasive nature of stop-and-search practices in Nigeria, the UK, and the USA highlights a troubling global trend of racial profiling and systemic discrimination against Black communities. As activists continue to confront these injustices, it becomes clear that a united front is necessary to challenge the status quo. Systemic reforms, accountability measures, and community engagement are essential to dismantle the ingrained biases that plague policing practices. The efforts of activists, alongside the support of international human rights organizations, underscore the urgent need for change. Achieving justice and equity requires a comprehensive approach that not only addresses the immediate injustices of stop-and-search practices but also fosters a culture of respect, equality, and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
References
1. Amnesty International. (2020). “Nigeria: ‘We Didn’t Kill Them’: Police Killings and the #EndSARS Protests.” Retrieved from amnesty.org
2. Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). (2021). “Statistics on Stop and Search.” Retrieved from policeconduct.gov.uk
3. New York Civil Liberties Union. (2013). “Stop-and-Frisk Data: A Snapshot.” Retrieved from nyclu.org
4. New York Police Department. (2020). “Stop, Question and Frisk Data.” Retrieved from nyc.gov
5. Office for National Statistics. (2022). “Police Use of Stop and Search.” Retrieved from ons.gov.uk
6. Stanford Open Policing Project. (2020). “Analysis of Police Stops.” Retrieved from openpolicing.stanford.edu
7. Universal Declaration of Human Rights. (1948). Retrieved from un.org