TRAFFORD people are being encouraged to share their experiences of being stopped by police with the region’s police and crime commissioner, Tony Lloyd, and help shape how police use the power.

A new app allows people who have been stopped and searched by Greater Manchester Police to easily and anonymously submit their experience – good or bad – so Mr Lloyd can see if GMP is using the power appropriately. App users can also find out more about their rights when they are stopped by police.

The call comes as Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) makes a number of recommendations to GMP to improve how it records and carries outs stop and search encounters.

Mr Lloyd said: “Stop and search remains a contentious issue not just in Trafford, but across Greater Manchester and, indeed, the UK. When used correctly it is a useful tool to keep communities safe, but when used wrongly it can damage communities, impacting on public confidence in their local police.

“My easy to use web app gives people the opportunity to share their stop and search experiences with me, so I can see if GMP is using the power properly and help me to effectively challenge them on the issue.”

He has written to youth leaders across Trafford asking them to encourage the young people use his web app to give their feedback on being stopped and searched.

The app can be downloaded onto smart phones or accessed via the website at www.gmpcc.org.uk/stopandsearch