Haringey Independent Stop & Search Monitoring Group (HISSMG)
HISSMG are a grassroots, independent group of volunteers, living or working in Haringey. Over 50% of our members have been stopped and searched themselves, giving real insight into the concerns of the community. As local people, we believe that policing must be accountable to Haringey residents. We regularly monitor body worn camera footage of stop and search encounters to check the police are using their powers fairly and legitimately, inform residents of their rights during a search, and assist people with making complaints if they feel they've been stopped unfairly.
At Haringey Independent Stop and Search Monitoring Group, we help ensure young people know their rights if stopped and searched and offer information and advice to all Haringey residents who have questions or concerns around stop and search. We consult the community on their opinions and experiences of stop and search and pass these on at regular meetings with police. Our group's independence means we speak up for community concerns openly and honestly, aiming to ensure stop and search is carried out fairly, accountably and without racial bias in our borough.
We shine a light on the way stop and search is carried out by the Metropolitan Police in Haringey and demand fairness for all, regardless of age, background, or identity.
As a source for stop and search information and support, we provide clear, practical guidance, answering questions such as "stop and search, what are my rights?".
We're a platform for people most affected by stop and search, ensuring that concerns from across the community, including Wood Green, Tottenham and more, reach the police and decision-makers.
By offering constructive challenge, we recommend changes to police policies, training, and practice so that stop and search in Haringey is just and respectful.
We promote equality, fairness, and anti discrimination in all policing matters, reinforcing civil liberties and fostering trust between the public and police.
We carry out thorough, independent analysis of quarterly stop and search statistics across Haringey, examining patterns and fairness at a local level. Our focus is to spot any disproportionate impact on specific ethnic groups, and make sure stop and search information is accessible. Our team shares findings with both the community and the police, working for genuine accountability. Want to explore more?
Each month, our volunteers review Body Worn Video footage from stop and search encounters throughout Haringey, in places like Tottenham, Wood Green and Hornsey. This process gives us direct insight into the way people are treated during searches, checking professionalism, dignity, and legality. Our independence means we're in a unique position to ensure police uphold the highest standards, and to push for improvements where needed.
We are proud to play an essential role in police training for new recruits in Haringey. Our input as a community-led group helps officers understand the impact of their actions, learn from real experiences, and prioritise respectful engagement. We're committed to working with the police locally to embed fair stop and search practices from day one, ensuring that new officers understand the concerns and sensitivities of the local community.
Beyond Haringey, our group has a voice at a London-wide level, with several members who are community consultants for bodies such as MOPAC, the Met Police, IOPC and College of Policing. We feel it's important to be there to represent the grassroots community of Haringey, amplifying concerns from those most impacted by stop and search. Our group believes real change comes through persistent, independent advocacy and concerted campaigning for more equitable policies and practices. Our motto is: “If you're not at the table, then you're on the menu”.
We regularly host meetings and events, open to everyone interested in stop and search information, rights or policing issues in Haringey. From community forums to public responses on key decisions, like the removal of safer schools officers from local schools, we welcome your views.
To get involved, volunteer with us, or share your feedback, email us at enquiries@hissmg.co.uk or call 07763 681 371.
