More than eight out of ten people stopped and searched by police last year were black, according to a sample survey.

Bermuda Police Service released a breakdown by race and sex from a random 25 percent sample of the 9,537 people stopped and searched in 2010.

Of that sample, 85 percent were black, ten percent white, with five percent falling into the “black and white” category; 85 percent were men and 15 percent women. National Security Minister David Burch provided those figures yesterday, in response to written Parliamentary Questions from Shadow Minister Michael Dunkley.

Sen Burch said police have the power to search potential suspects for stolen goods, offensive weapons, articles used for burglary, drugs, drug equipment, money used in connection for drugs, firearms and ammunition.

He said uniformed officers can be given permission to carry out a search when they suspect a violent incident may take place, or when someone may be carrying dangerous instruments or weapons.

Anybody who is searched has the right to a written statement confirming the search took place under the powers dictated by the law.