Police 'Cannabis smell not enough of a reason for a search'

BRISTOL'S police will no longer stop and search people just because they smell of cannabis.

- 

Force chiefs have brought in the new policy following concerns raised by its Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel whose members suggested officers were too often using the measure as a “fishing” expedition.

Instead they must now have another reason for a stop and search - such as suspecting someone is in possession of a weapon or stolen goods.

It is hoped the change will improve relations between the police and public.

But some residents have expressed concern about increasingly blatant cannabis use in the city with last year's Lord Mayor saying the “Bristol fog” could even be smelled drifting into City Hall.

Last Sunday's “420” protest in Castle Park - although not a new event - also raised questions as to why thousands of people were allowed to take drugs openly in public.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman told the Post: “We are grateful for the feedback received from ISOPPP and our communities which has been instrumental in our work formulating a new stop and search policy.