Would you like to play a role in scrutinising stop searches carried out by Gloucestershire Constabulary's officers?

Sergeants Ashley Shingler and Grant White of the Gloucester Neighbourhood Policing Team are looking for members of the public who would like to join a monthly Stop Search Scrutiny Panel.

The panel sits on the first Thursday evening of every month and the first meeting is set to take place on 5th September at police headquarters on Waterwells Drive in Quedgeley.

The panel will scrutinise stop searches carried out by officers every month. The criteria for discussion will be decided each month and could include the age or sex of the individual, the location, time or even powers that were used by officers.

The Home Office's Best Use of Stop Search Scheme (BUSSS) was introduced by Theresa May in 2015/16 and aims to allow police forces to become more transparent with stop search.

There are also elements of allowing members of the community to have an oversight of searches that are carried out and to offer members of these communities the chance to observe any stop searches that are carried out.

Applications are sought from people from across Gloucestershire who:

• Are committed to the principle of public accountability
• Are objective, can demonstrate independent thinking and are able to give constructive feedback on the grounds used or recorded as part of the stop search process

Anyone who would be interested in joining the panel should email kselwyn@newentfed.org , Ashley.Shingler@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk  or Grant.White@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk 

More information on stop searches can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/help-and-advice/know-the-lawyour-rights/stop-and-search/