LANCASHIRE Police Authority chairman Dr Ruth Henig, has urged the public to know their rights if they are stopped and searched as part of a campaign to encourage more public trust in the force.

"Being stopped and searched doesn't mean that you have done something wrong. But it can still be a frightening experience that you may find upsetting and annoying.

"Stop and search is a useful tool which can help the police detect certain types of crime. But we also know that it is a major cause of concern and lack of confidence in the police among certain sections of the community, such as young people and those from minority ethnic groups."

"By helping you to know your rights we hope that if you ever get stopped by the police who want to search you, you will understand what is happening and what the police can and can't do," " she said before issuing a five point 'customers' charter:

You should not be stopped and searched just because of the way you look, dress or your race or ethnic group.

You can only be searched if the police have a good reason -- for example, if they think you may be carrying drugs or a weapon.

Police officers have to tell you what the reason is and what they are looking for.

You only have to take off your outer clothes unless you are taken somewhere private.

Police have to write down everything that happened and you are entitled to a copy of that record.

Dr Henig added: "It is our job to ensure that everyone gets a fair and effective service from the police. We are local people who are independent from the Constabulary and as your representatives we oversee everything the police do on your behalf."

"And we know from the British Crime Survey that those who have been stopped and searched are less likely to be satisfied with their local police service.

"The police must treat you fairly, courteously and with respect. If they don't, you should complain so that we can make sure it doesn't happen again."

This is just one of a range of measures Lancashire Police Authority are putting into place to ensure that the police use their powers properly and fairly.

They are also looking at how police officers are trained and supervised and are keeping a check on how often officers stop and search people and whether or not those stopped are arrested as a result.

"The police can only do their job with your help and support," said Dr Henig. "If we all work together we can make Lancashire a safer place in which to live and work."

For more information pick up a leaflet at your local library or police station or contact Lancashire Police Authority on (01772) 262251.