Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel
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.
If you have any comments or observations about stop and search in Hertfordshire and would like to provide feedback, please find an anonymous feedback form here, alternatively you can submit a complaint to Hertfordshire Constabulary here.
The Home Secretary advised that the responsibility for external scrutiny should be owned and facilitated by those democratically charged with holding the police to account. In March 2015, Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner set up an independent scrutiny panel made up of members of the community from across the county to undertake scrutiny of Hertfordshire’s stop search practices. The panel is able to provide a voice for community concerns and help inform and influence police training and actions.
In February 2017, Commissioner David Lloyd welcomed a report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), which confirms Hertfordshire Constabulary is meeting the requirements of the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.
Hertfordshire was one of the first forces to sign up to the scheme and it has now been confirmed they are fully compliant with all aspects of it.
More information on how the community scrutiny panel was set up can found in the briefing note.
You can also learn more about Stop and Search in our Citizens' Academy.
The Home Secretary advised that the responsibility for external scrutiny should be owned and facilitated by those democratically charged with holding the police to account. In March 2015, Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner set up an independent scrutiny panel made up of members of the community from across the county to undertake scrutiny of Hertfordshire’s stop search practices. The panel is able to provide a voice for community concerns and help inform and influence police training and actions.
In February 2017, Commissioner David Lloyd welcomed a report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), which confirms Hertfordshire Constabulary is meeting the requirements of the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.
Hertfordshire was one of the first forces to sign up to the scheme and it has now been confirmed they are fully compliant with all aspects of it.
More information on how the community scrutiny panel was set up can found in the briefing note.
You can also learn more about Stop and Search in our Citizens' Academy.
Role and Responsibilities
The Countywide Community Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel meet on a monthly basis for two and a half hours to discuss, monitor and scrutinise how Hertfordshire Constabulary are carrying out Stop and Search.
Wherever possible the Panel seeks to reflect the demographics of Hertfordshire, therefore to ensure diversity in membership it may be necessary for targeted positive action recruitment to be undertaken.
The panel undertake dip sampling (selecting records at random) of the Stop and Search forms in order to achieve greater transparency and involvement in the use of Stop and Search powers across Hertfordshire, and improve public confidence and trust in how the tactic is used. More recently the Panel have also begun to undertake scrutiny of body-worn camera footage.
The Terms of Reference provide a guiding framework for the Panel.
Wherever possible the Panel seeks to reflect the demographics of Hertfordshire, therefore to ensure diversity in membership it may be necessary for targeted positive action recruitment to be undertaken.
The panel undertake dip sampling (selecting records at random) of the Stop and Search forms in order to achieve greater transparency and involvement in the use of Stop and Search powers across Hertfordshire, and improve public confidence and trust in how the tactic is used. More recently the Panel have also begun to undertake scrutiny of body-worn camera footage.
The Terms of Reference provide a guiding framework for the Panel.
The Police and Crime Commissioner publishes an annual report about the Countywide Community Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel.
The report contains information about the organisation of the panel as well as key findings from meetings.
The minutes of the panel meetings can be viewed via the links below.
Stop and Search Panel 2021
Stop and Search Panel 2020
Stop and Search Panel 2019
Stop and Search Panel 2018
Stop and Search Panel 2017
Stop and Search Panel 2016
Stop and Search Panel 2015
Stop and Search Panel 2021
Stop and Search Panel 2020
Stop and Search Panel 2019
Stop and Search Panel 2018
Stop and Search Panel 2017
Stop and Search Panel 2016
Stop and Search Panel 2015
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].