Black people face a disproportionately higher risk of being stopped and searched by police in affluent areas of London.
New data reveals they are up to 48 times more likely than white people to experience this.
A comprehensive analysis of 152,000 Metropolitan Police stop records from 2023 further revealed that the stated reasons for these searches were often less specific when applied to Black individuals.
Researchers at King's College London identified the wards with the most significant disparities: East Sheen in Richmond, where Black people were 48 times more likely to be searched; Dulwich Village, with a rate of 40 times; and Hampstead Town, at 38 times.
Across London, Black residents were 3.4 times more likely than their white counterparts to be stopped and searched by officers in February this year, compared to a national average of four times.
Dr Yijing Li from King’s College London said: “Our modelling revealed clear evidence of unexplained disproportionality in how stop and search powers are used across London.
“These data-driven insights provide a robust evidence base to support fairer, more effective policing in London, and aim to help rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.”
In London, two-thirds (65.9%) of stop and searches end with no further action, and 17.4% lead to an arrest.
In 2025, Met officers carried out 149,299 searches, with 19,054 for weapons. In total 3,748 weapons were found – 1,860 during searches for weapons and 1,888 from stop and searches relating to other suspected offences such as drugs and stolen property.
London mayor Sadiq Khan, said: “Stop and search is a vital policing tool. Done well, it stops those intent on causing harm and fear in our communities and takes dangerous weapons and drugs off our streets and ultimately saves lives.
“But when done badly and unfairly, it harms community confidence and trust and damages the partnership and community relationships so important to policing by consent and keeping Londoners safe.
“This major new research shows significant and unacceptable levels of disproportionality that we must act on. That’s why, along with the other steps to support and hold the Met to account, I am introducing a mandatory annual report of how stop and search is being used in London.
“The use of stop and search must be more transparent and accountable to deliver a safer and fairer London for all.”
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