In early 2014, the Home Secretary introduced a package of reforms (Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme) in response to concerns about police compliance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 Code of Practice A.
It was intended that the reforms should contribute to a significant reduction in use of stop and search, a more intelligence-led use of the practice and improved stop to arrest ratios.
Hertfordshire Constabulary signed up to the scheme in August 2014, to put in place a range of measures to ensure better compliance with the Act, including the scrutiny of stop and search records by the communities they serve.
By signing up to the new measures, it is hoped a more focused and intelligent-led approach to stop and search will develop, resulting in a higher arrest rate, and a targeting of those engaged in serious criminality.
It should also lead to a greater proportion of stop and search for acquisitive crime, rather than low level drugs possession.
The current members of the Countywide Community Stop and Search Panel are:
Jeffrey Burke
Roger Bosley
Kristina Dimitrova
Marian Langley
Caroline Malcolm
Marianne Murphy
Ben Platt
Barbara Graham
Mohammad Islam-Ruman
Nelson Agbor
Mutee-ur-rehman Saifullah
Raeis Mer
Alexander Allen
Bukola Efunshile
Robert Lloyd
Meet some of our Panel Members and find out what it is like to be part of the Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel.
Roger Case Study
Mohammad Case Study
The ethnicity and geographical make up of the panel is as follows:
Gender
Male: 9
Female: 6
Ethnicity
Black Caribbean: 1
White British: 6
Black British: 2
Black African: 1
White European: 1
Asian: 3
Prefer not to say: 1
CSP Representation
Broxbourne: 4
East Herts: 2
St Albans: 4
Welwyn Hatfield: 4
Hertsmere: 1
To find out more about the role of Countywide Community Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel Volunteer please read the volunteer role profile and explore Mohammad's case study.
Please note that the role will require you to attend monthly meetings for approximately 2.5hrs in Hertfordshire, dates will be circulated in advance. There is an expectation that you will be able to commit to at least six of the twelve meetings held per year. In promoting consistency, we encourage your commitment to the role and in return travel expenses will be reimbursed. Councillors are welcome to apply.
If you would like any further information or have any questions regarding the Countywide Community Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel, please contact Sara Miles, Criminal Justice Policy and Research Manager, at [email protected].