Stop and think: a critical review of the use of stop and search powers in England and Wales. The Equality and Human Rights Commission published this report in March 2010.
"The figures are stark: if you are a black person, you are at least six times as likely to be stopped and searched by the police in England and Wales as a white person. If you are Asian, you are around twice as likely to be stopped and searched as a white person.
Despite years of debate and several initiatives aimed at tackling the problem, these ratios have stayed stubbornly high.
The majority of stops and searches in England and Wales are conducted under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). We believe that the current police use of PACE stop and search powers may be unlawful, disproportionate, discriminatory and damaging to relations within and between communities.
We will consider taking enforcement action if we believe police forces are not sufficiently addressing this problem."
Click here to read the report