Use of Force and Stop and Search Volunteer Scrutiny Panel Member
Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner
- To provide independent scrutiny of the use of Stop and Search and Use of Force across Bedfordshire. - To provide feedback on Stop and Search and Use of Force practices. - To provide a voice for community concerns and to influence police actions. - To achieve greater transparency and community involvement in the use of Stop and Search and Use of Force powers across Bedfordshire. - To improve public confidence.
Stop and Search and Use of Force is an essential tool in preventing and reducing crime and when used appropriately, this can be effective in keeping the communities of Bedfordshire safe. Nonetheless, it is important that the public understand their rights when they are stopped by officers carrying out this pivotal role. The Police and Crime Commissioner holds Bedfordshire Police to account for their delivery of Stop and Search and Use of Force. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has responsibility to hold the Chief Constable to account for an efficient & effective police force. In terms of monitoring the Force’s use of Stop and Search and Use of Force, the PCC receives updates at his 1:1 meetings with the Chief Constable and via Performance and Governance Board. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner holds the governance responsibility for the Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel/Use of Force Scrutiny Panel meeting and attends the meeting as an observer. The Stop and Search and Use of Force Scrutiny Group reviews the Stop and Search and Use of Force data, outcomes of those searches and use of force, as well as body-worn footage to scrutinise use of the power. The purpose of the Stop and Search and Use of Force Scrutiny Panel is: - To provide independent scrutiny of the use of Stop and Search and Use of Force across Bedfordshire. - To provide feedback on Stop and Search and Use of Force practices. - To provide a voice for community concerns and to influence police actions. - To achieve greater transparency and community involvement in the use of Stop and Search and Use of Force powers across Bedfordshire. - To improve public confidence and trust in the way in which Stop and Search and Use of Force is conducted. - To review and advise on policy, training and tactical considerations. Main meetings are held on a quarterly basis and are separate meetings for both Use of Force and Stop and Search. These meetings are held on Microsoft Teams virtually in the evenings usually on a Thursday starting at 6pm, however this could be subject to change. There are also sub-panel's which are held on a monthly basis which is for a specific number of members to attend to review the body-worn footage prior to it being taken to the main panel for grading, using a red, amber, green (RAG) traffic light system.
Administration,Community Work,Trusteeships & Committees,General & Helping
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, Evaluating & Reviewing, Organising & Planning
Using Microsoft Teams, using computers, sending and receiving emails, completing online forms via Microsoft Teams using the chat function. No specific qualifications are required as full training and support is provided, however visitors should be good listeners and be open to engaging in discussion in a respectful manner.
You will be able to hold the police force to account, share good practice as well as areas of improvement, which in turn will reassure the Police and Crime Commissioner as well as the wider local community of Bedfordshire. Volunteers have dedicated access to admin support as well as an induction and training.
Evenings, usually at 6pm - 9pm. Expected to attend at least once a month via Microsoft Teams online virtually.
MK43 9AX
Bedfordshire Police Headquarters, Woburn Rd, Kempston, Bedford MK43 9AX
Panels are mainly held virtually online, however you may be expected to travel to Kempston or Luton Police Headquarters for training and ad-hoc meetings.
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