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Scarman Inquiry

Completed
Chair Lord Scarman Judge / Judiciary
Established 14 Apr 1981
Final Report 25 Nov 1981
Commissioned by Home Office

Inquiry into the Brixton disorders of 10-12 April 1981 examining the causes of the riots and the relationship between the Metropolitan Police and the local community.

Historical inquiry (pre-Inquiries Act 2005). Listed for reference — recommendation progress is not actively tracked.
Legacy & Impact
The Scarman Inquiry examined the causes of the April 1981 Brixton riots, publishing its report in November 1981. Lord Scarman found that the disorders arose from a spontaneous outburst of resentment following the 'Swamp 81' policing operation, set against a background of racial disadvantage, inner-city decline, and deteriorating police-community relations. The inquiry's most significant legislative outcome was the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which established a comprehensive statutory framework for police powers of stop and search, arrest, detention and questioning. PACE introduced safeguards including the requirement for custody officers, tape recording of interviews, and detailed codes of practice. The report led to the creation of lay visitor schemes (now Independent Custody Visitors) with statutory rights to inspect police stations, and requirements for police forces to appoint community liaison officers and establish formal consultation mechanisms with local communities. The Police Complaints Authority received enhanced powers. While Lord Scarman did not find evidence of 'institutional racism' in the Metropolitan Police - a finding the Macpherson Inquiry would reach in 1999 - his report represented the first inquiry-level recognition of connections between policing practices and racial disadvantage. The Scarman Trust was subsequently established to support community development initiatives. The inquiry's influence extended beyond policing to urban regeneration policy, contributing to increased investment in inner-city areas during the 1980s.
Lasting Reforms
• Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) - established statutory framework for police powers and safeguards including custody officers, tape recording of interviews, and codes of practice for stop and search
• Independent Custody Visitors scheme - lay visitors given statutory right to visit police stations and check on detainee welfare
• Community liaison officers - police forces required to appoint officers for community engagement
• Statutory consultation requirements between police and local communities through consultative committees
• Police Complaints Authority given enhanced powers and independence
Unfinished Business
• The inquiry made findings and observations rather than formal numbered recommendations, making tracking of specific unimplemented proposals difficult to establish from available records
AI-generated narrative. Generated 26 Mar 2026 using claude-opus-4. Assessment is indicative, not authoritative.
Key Legislation
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) PRIMARY
Codified police powers of stop and search, arrest, detention, and questioning, with safeguards including custody officers and tape-recorded interviews.
Influence & Connections
Revisited or re-examined Macpherson Inquiry
The Macpherson Inquiry revisited the relationship between policing and race 18 years after Scarman. Where Scarman had rejected the concept of institutional racism, Macpherson explicitly adopted it.
7 months Duration
Inquiry Report
Final Report Published 25 Nov 1981

We are not currently tracking individual recommendations for this inquiry.