Police 'stopped driver 57 times'

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to look at a black driver's claims that he is repeatedly stopped by the West Midlands force.

Carl Josephs says he has been stopped four times in the past 12 months and a total of 57 times in recent years.

Mr Josephs, 33, from Bromford Bridge, Birmingham, unsuccessfully sued the force for racial harassment in 1999.

West Midlands Police said it would be inappropriate to comment until the investigation was complete.

There is a clear public interest in ensuring that the investigation is demonstrably thorough and impartial John Crawley, IPCC

The DJ and actor is being supported in his complaint by the human rights group Liberty.

In February 1999, Mr Josephs unsuccessfully sued for racial harassment, false imprisonment and unlawful arrest after claiming officers continually stopped him in his car.

In October 1999, he handed his MoT certificate, insurance papers and driving licence to the force for "safe keeping".

John Crawley, from the IPCC, said: "I have decided the commission should investigate this matter directly because of the seriousness of the allegations - of harassment and racial discrimination - Mr Josephs has made.

"There is a clear public interest in ensuring that the investigation is demonstrably thorough and impartial.

"There has already been extensive media interest in Mr Josephs' complaints.

'Discriminatory manner'

"I consider it important that we sustain public confidence in the complaints system and in the appropriate and proportionate use of police stop powers by conducting a fair, impartial and independent investigation into what has happened here."

In 2001, Liberty said it was hoping to use the then-newly introduced Human Rights Act to challenge police stop and search powers.

It cited article eight, an individual's right to privacy, and article 14, the right not to be discriminated against.

James Welch, Liberty's legal director, said in Mr Josephs' case, the issue was whether they were being exercised in a "discriminatory manner".

Mr Welch said: "We are very pleased that the IPCC are taking up this matter and conducting an investigation.

"We have helped (Mr Josephs) make his complaint and we will assist him as necessary whilst the IPCC investigate."