THE number of stop and search situations racked up by police in Fife over a 12 month period has shocked some people.

Over the past year almost 2000 young people, between the ages of 10 and 16, have been stopped by officers and searched after concerns have arisen.

At a time when knife crime is still something which poses a threat to lives of youngsters and adults, perhaps this is not something that should cause too much alarm.

Also with the public having concerns about some public order issues caused by under-age alcohol consumption, this sort of action can have a necessary impact.

The fact that officers have been writing to parents to explain why their child has been stopped is re-assuring.

Certainly our Times Jury this week feels that this is something that sometimes is necessary and can help ensure that problems can be nipped in the bud.