Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel
Hertfordshire’s Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel was established by the Police and Crime Commissioner in 2015 to provide independent community scrutiny of stop and search powers across the county. The Panel was set up following national reforms introduced through the Home Secretary’s Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme, which aimed to improve compliance with PACE Code A, make the use of stop and search more intelligence-led, and strengthen public confidence.
In March 2024, the Commissioner also published a detailed piece of research from the University of Hertfordshire in to Stop and Search Disproportionality.
More information about stop and search in Hertfordshire, including your rights, is available on the Hertfordshire Constabulary stop and search page.
If you have been stopped and searched and would like to provide feedback or make a complaint, you can provide further information on the Hertfordshire Constabulary stop and search experience page.
Roles and responsibilities of the Panel
The Scrutiny Panel is made up of dedicated volunteers who live, work, or study in Hertfordshire, helping to ensure that community perspectives are represented in the scrutiny process. The latest Panel demographic information is available in the Stop and Search Panel Demographic report.
The Terms of Reference provide a guiding framework for the Panel: S&S Panel Terms of Reference (updated Sept 2024). The Panel meets every two months for three hours to discuss, monitor and scrutinise how Hertfordshire Constabulary is using stop and search powers.
The Panel reviews a sample of stop and search cases from across Hertfordshire to assess whether these powers are being used fairly, proportionately and lawfully. This includes written stop and search records, body worn video footage, all records relating to strip searches involving under-18s, and any use of Section 60 powers.
Panel members review the records to identify any areas of concern or risk, as well as examples of good practice. Following discussion, members reach a collective judgement on each case, assigning a Red, Amber or Green rating to reflect the overall quality of the encounter.
The Panel’s assessment is then shared with the Constabulary to support continuous improvement in stop and search practice. The Stop and Search feedback loop explains how Panel feedback is shared with Hertfordshire Constabulary and used to support improvements in practice.
This scrutiny helps to reflect community concerns, identify good practice, highlight areas for improvement, and provide assurance that stop and search powers are being applied appropriately.
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:
Demitrius Nurse (Chair)
Mamadou Bah
Linda Blake
Jeffrey Burke
Tara Bullworthy
Bukola Efunshile
Dennis Elam
Jacqueline Gaffin
John Gillett
Mohammad Islam-Ruman
Robert Lloyd
Nigel Marshall
Eddie McCarroll
Phil Millard
Godfrey Minsky
Jamal Pasha
Ben Platt
Paulette Reed
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 [email protected] with Stop and Search in the title.