Stop Search Scrutiny Panel

We have launched a Stop Search Scrutiny Panel to help us protect the public and our officers, assist in demonstrating how and why we use this power and ensure our stop searches are being carried out transparently and with legitimacy.

What is a Scrutiny Panel

A Stop Search Scrutiny Panel aims to ensure all of our Stop Searches are carried out correctly. This will help us engage and protect with the public should they be stop searched as well as support and educate officers on best practice when carrying out a stop search. By inviting public feedback, we hope that this will increase the legitimacy and transparency of all stop searches carried out in Merseyside.

The panel will show bodyworn footage to panellists who will then discuss what they have seen in more detail.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Scrutiny Panel

The panel is made up of members of the public and members of the Merseyside Independent Advisory Group (MIAG) meets once every two months. The panel view randomly selected body worn video footage and provide their views on how they think the stop search has been carried out.

Views from the panel will be shared with officers to look at good practice and areas where we can learn and develop.

Together, all panellists help us capture the views of the communities we police as well as address any concerns they may have, which will ultimately improve our stop and search process in the future.

How to get involved

If you wold like to be a panellist or for further details on how you can get involved, please email contact us.