Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the data come from?
All data is sourced directly from the official UK Police Data API (data.police.uk). This ensures that our information is accurate, up-to-date, and matches official records. We do not modify or alter the data in any way, only presenting it in an accessible format.
How often is the data updated?
The UK Police Data API updates its data monthly, typically with a two-month delay. For example, January's data becomes available in March. This delay allows for proper data validation and processing by police forces. Our platform automatically fetches the latest available data as soon as it's published.
What time period does the data cover?
Our platform provides access to the last 24 months of stop and search data. The current month and previous month are typically not available due to the processing delay in the official police data system. This ensures we only display validated and complete data sets.
How accurate is the data?
The data comes directly from police records and undergoes validation before being published. However, some incidents might have incomplete information or approximate locations for privacy and operational reasons. We clearly indicate when data is estimated or incomplete.
How do I use the interactive map?
The interactive map allows you to explore stop and search incidents geographically. You can:
- Zoom and pan to explore different areas
- Click on markers to view incident details
- Filter data by date using the date picker
- Switch between map view and force view
- Use your current location to view nearby incidents
Can I download the data?
Yes, you can access the raw data directly from the data.police.uk website. Our platform focuses on visualization and analysis of this data. For direct API access, please refer to our API documentation.
Is this an official police website?
No, this is an independent open-source platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by any UK police force or government agency. Our mission is to make public police data more accessible and transparent through better visualization and analysis tools.