The number of ethnic minorities stopped is one area of concern

It has been published in draft form for public consultation.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said that the 145-page manual would provide "invaluable" guidance.

"When stop and search powers are used in an intelligence-led way they are extremely effective in the prevention and detection of crime," she said.

She was also pleased a draft had been published for public consultation. "It is important that members of the community as well as police and police authorities have the opportunity to comment on its content," she said.

The consultation period ends on 9 March with a final version due to be published by the end of March.

The manual is one of a series of initiatives resulting from the government's public commitment to ensuring police stop-and-search powers are used fairly and effectively.

It has been produced by the Stop and Search Action Team (SSAT) set up by the government last year to examine issues surrounding the police power.

SSAT's work is scrutinised by an independent community panel, also set up by the government last year.