Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel
We are currently recruiting for this role please see our Volunteer Roles on our Vacancies Page
Following rules introduced by the Home Secretary a package of reforms (Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme) were put in place 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 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 measures, the aim is for 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.
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 March 2024 the Commissioner published a detailed piece of research from the University of Hertfordshire in to Stop and Search Disproportionality.
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.
The current members of the Countywide Community Stop and Search Panel are:
Alexander Allen
Linda Blake
Jeffrey Burke
Penny Buckman
Tara Bullworthy
Bukola Efunshile
Dennis Elam
Jacqueline Gaffin
John Gillett
Megan Holland
Mohammad Islam-Ruman
Robert Lloyd
Eddie McCarroll
Phil Millard
Demitrius Nurse
Ben Platt
Paulette Reed
David Reynolds
Jerry Rudd
Valerie Shrimplin
Andrew Taylor
Meet some of our Panel Members and find out what it is like to be part of the Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel.
To find out more about the role of Countywide Community Stop & Search Scrutiny Panel Volunteer please read the volunteer Role Description and explore Mohammad 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 Sue McNeill, Partner & Panel Engagement Officer, at [email protected]