Helping to Build Trust, Transparency and Accountability in Policing

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and her office work with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC), partners and members of the community to provide independent scrutiny of a range of policing powers, practices and decision-making processes.

The PCC’s scrutiny panels bring together volunteers, community representatives, partner agencies and criminal justice professionals to independently review police activity, provide constructive challenge, identify good practice and support continuous improvement. The panels help ensure that police powers are used fairly, lawfully, proportionately and ethically, while promoting public confidence in policing.

 

What is Independent Scrutiny?

Independent scrutiny provides an opportunity for members of the public and partner organisations to review police actions and decisions from a non-police perspective. Scrutiny panels examine anonymised information, case files, records, body worn video footage and other relevant material to assess whether actions are consistent with legislation, policy, guidance and best practice.

The findings and feedback from panels help inform policy development, training, operational practice and organisational learning across HIOWC.

All panels are chaired by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, or a senior representative in their absence from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

 

The PCC’s Scrutiny Panels

 

Use of Force Scrutiny Panel

The Use of Force Scrutiny Panel reviews incidents where police officers have used force to ensure those actions were necessary, lawful, proportionate and appropriate. The panel examines body worn video footage and supporting material to identify learning opportunities, good practice and areas for improvement.

Areas of review include:

• Handcuffing
• Restraint and takedown techniques
• Police dog deployments
• Batons
• Irritant spray
• Spit guards
• Shields
• Conductive Energy Devices (Taser)
• Other specialist tactics and equipment used by officers

Stop and Search Body Worn Video (BWV) Scrutiny Panel

Stop and search is an important policing tactic, but it must be used fairly and proportionately. The panel reviews randomly selected body worn video footage of stop and search encounters to assess compliance with legislation, policy and best practice. The panel provides independent challenge and feedback to help maintain public confidence and improve the quality of stop and search encounters across the force.

Independent Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel

The Independent Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel examines the treatment and welfare of people detained in police custody. Its role is to provide assurance that detention practices are lawful, necessary, proportionate and respectful.

Areas of review include:

• Strip searches
• Use of force in custody
• Length of detention
• Mental health considerations
• Detainee welfare and dignity
• Access to interpreters and support services
• Use of anti-rip clothing
• Remand profiles and emerging issues identified by the panel

Out of Court Resolutions (OOCR) Scrutiny Panel

Out of Court Resolutions provide an alternative to prosecution for appropriate low-level offences. The panel reviews the use of Conditional Cautions and Community Resolutions to ensure decisions are fair, proportionate and in line with national guidance. The panel helps ensure that victims’ interests are considered, offenders are dealt with appropriately and that police powers are being used effectively to address offending while avoiding unnecessary criminalisation.

 

Youth Out of Court Resolutions (OOCR) Scrutiny Panel

The Youth OOCR Scrutiny Panel specifically examines outcomes involving children and young people. The panel reviews the use of Youth Conditional Cautions, Community Resolutions and diversionary interventions to ensure they are used appropriately and effectively. The panel supports the wider aim of diverting young people away from the criminal justice system where appropriate while addressing behaviour, reducing reoffending and supporting positive future outcomes.

Frequency

All panel meetings are held quarterly apart from the adult OOCR panel which meets every other month. Meetings are usually held in person unless otherwise stated.

Panel Membership

Membership varies depending on the panel’s remit but may include:

• Members of the public
• Adult and Youth Independent Advisory Group members
• Crown Prosecution Service representatives
• Magistrates
• Victim Support
• Youth Justice Services
• Independent Custody Visitors
• Appropriate Adult Services
• Barnardo’s
• Liaison and Diversion Services
• Police subject matter experts and operational

Get Involved

We are committed to ensuring that scrutiny reflects the diverse communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We welcome expressions of interest from people who want to help improve transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.

Participating in a scrutiny panel provides an opportunity to:

• Contribute to independent oversight of policing.
• Represent community perspectives.
• Help identify good practice and opportunities for improvement.
• Support fairness, transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.

All panel members are either vetted or sign a non – disclosure agreement with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner before they can join a panel.

 

Interested in joining a panel?
Please get in touch to discuss the role, eligibility requirements and how you can contribute to independent police scrutiny in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

 

Want to Find Out More?

For further information about any of our scrutiny panels, including current membership opportunities, please contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner:

Telephone: 01962 871595
Email: opcc@hampshire.police.uk