A POLICE authority is to launch a major consultation exercise to gauge public opinion on officers' powers to stop and search suspects.

Home Secretary Jack Straw has called for openness about possible changes to the rules, which could lead to simple stops being recorded in police logs.

North Yorkshire Police Authority is urging residents across the county to use their influence to shape Government decisions.

Questionnaires on the subject will be made available in libraries, community centres and youth centres, asking people their views on whether stops should be recorded in every case or only in those that result in further action by police.

Another section will seek opinions on whether North Yorkshire Police currently use their stop and search powers fairly towards ethnic minorities.

At the authority's latest meeting in Scarborough, Chief Constable David Kenworthy said: "Stop and search, if properly used, is a valuable tool."