Police and Crime Commissioner attends Stop and Search scrutiny panel

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mr Jonathan Ash-Edwards has attended the latest Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel which is run by his office.

The panel is made up of volunteers who discuss, monitor and scrutinise how Hertfordshire Constabulary are stopping and searching people across the county.

The group looks at police records of those who have been stopped and view officer body worn video footage of stops to grade if it was carried out fairly, appropriately and according to the guidelines.

Mr Ash-Edwards joined 15 of the panel at the Joint Emergency Services Academy in Stevenage at their last meeting. During the meeting they examined a wide variety of clips of people being stopped and searched, looking at both adults who were stopped and children.

The panel examined 36 records and rated them according to a confidence score with 29 being green for excellent or satisfactory, five as amber for not confident and two as red meaning they had serious concerns.

Senior police officers and front-line officers were also at the meeting to listen to the feedback from the volunteers and discuss how the power is being used.

The aim of the panel is to give the public improved confidence and trust in how the tactic of stop and search is used and to making recommendations on how police can be trained on using stop and search.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Hertfordshire PCC, said:

“Stop and search is an important tool for police officers to disrupt criminality, get weapons and drugs off our streets and keep Hertfordshire residents safe. It is essential that officers feel confident in using their powers when justified. External scrutiny plays an important role in helping to monitor the use of these powers and build public confidence in their legitimacy.”

Demitrius Nurse, Chair of the panel said:

“Comprised of volunteers from the public, the panel plays a vital role in holding the Police to account by ensuring Stop & Search practices are conducted lawfully, professionally, and proportionately.

“Our panel exists to highlight good practices and, when necessary, to firmly address any instances of poor practice. We document our scrutiny feedback, which is carefully reviewed and has been instrumental in upholding and improving Police standards.

“As we seek to expand the panel, it is crucial that all sections of the community are represented. We are actively working to broaden participation, especially among young people and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including those with varied “lived experiences,” to foster a more inclusive perspective.

“If you or someone you know is interested in joining the panel, we warmly invite you to attend a panel meeting as an observer.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner would like to recruit more volunteers to the panel, particularly young people and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. If you are interested in taking part in a group which examines and gives recommendations on how people are stopped and searched, you can find more details at https://www.hertscommissioner.org/getting-involved/how-to-get-involved/stop-and-search-scrutiny-panel/