Conference 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to Devon and Cornwall Community Scrutiny Conference 2024 Newsletter!
Our gratitude to all those who participated in this month's body-worn video scrutiny. Your insights, feedback, and questions are invaluable to our ongoing efforts. Please feel free to share any thoughts or reflections you have from this session.
“A valuable opportunity to network and to listen and understand the views of the community.
”
Acting Chief Constable
Jim Colwell
Training
We conducted our monthly DCCS Panel induction training on Tuesday 16th July, from 5-7pm.
This online session welcomed 7 new recruits to the DCCS Panel and provided an opportunity to learn more about independent scrutiny of police powers. If you would like to attend further induction sessions as a refresher or know of anyone who may benefit from participating, please do get in touch.
Join in for Further Training Sessions
Our Devon & Cornwall Community Scrutiny Panel Trainer Lisa invites all members of the public aged 16+ from Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly to our online training every first Tuesday of the month to share:
An overview of the police powers Stop & Search (S&S) and Use of Force (UoF)
The DCCS Panel's mission and responsibilities
Training for D&C Police officer footage scrutiny
Assessment of lawful use of police powers
Answers to any questions you may have
To register your interest, please email admin@dccspanel.org.uk
Quiz Training Question
I can be exempt from a stop and search if I am under the age of 18
TRUE or FALSE?*
New Panel Member’s Welcome
This month we welcome 7 new recruits to the DCCS Panel
Green RAG Rated Stop & Search Case
S&S Case 1 - Young male passengers in car
BWV 1 feedback to be provided:
Investigation, responses and learning required with:
The officer needed to be more explicit and clear stating the grounds, rather than saying “the reason for grounds are what you’ve given me”.
Position of the officer's body-worn video needed addressing to show what was being handled / searched.
Subject was nervous and mentioned he was “scared right now” - this was an opportunity to address concerns and educate.
Officers reminded to verbalise their actions when touching the subject’s body throughout the search - not just their waistband.
Actions to be Commended:
All panel members assessed this encounter as proportionate.
Subject was informed of BWV.
GOWISELY followed.
Officer was respectful, calm and friendly.
DCCS Panel Response:
The DCCS Panel commends this officer's actions and use of police powers in this particular case.
To read the scrutiny report this case was included in, click the button below…
If you’re interested in observing body-worn footage and learning to assess lawful use of police power, book your free online training with the DCCS Panel.
Following your training, and completion of your application forms, panel members are invited to join D&C Police scrutiny on the first Tuesday of each month.
Our next online scrutiny meetings are scheduled for Tuesday 6th AUGUST:
Daytime Scrutiny: 2:55 PM - 5:00 PM
Evening Scrutiny: 6:55 PM - 9:00 PM
DCCS Panel members are invited to attend either or both sessions.
Share your feedback, ideas or questions about this topic here: admin@dccspanel.org.uk
Ride-Along Scheme
D&C Police Ride-Along Scheme is now back in operation, offering members of the public the opportunity to accompany officers and witness firsthand their use of Stop and Search procedures.
Ch Supt Tom Cunningham provided responses for DCCS Panel members’ questions:
Can DCCS Panel members take photos for social media purposes as long as they don't take photos of the members of the public? Yes, this would be fine when going out on patrol.
Can DCCS Panel members go out on patrol outside of their area? Absolutely.
Can DCCS Panel members go out with dog units? I have checked with the Inspector of the Dog Unit and unfortunately due to the Health and Safety risks involved in working with the dogs in a live environment and the type of risks that are present at the incidents that they get sent to, a ride-along is not possible. However if there is interest he could arrange an event where you and the panel get to meet a handler and a dog and talk through their role etc.
email admin@dccspanel.org.uk or Register your interest through the D&C Police Ride-Along Form button below…
POLICE FACTS
Figures, covering April 2022 to March 2023, reveal that the S&S rate for black individuals in Devon and Cornwall is 10.8 per 1,000, compared to 2.6 per 1,000 for white individuals. This discrepancy results in a disproportionality rate of approximately 4.15%.
Stay Connected!
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*TRUE or FALSE (ANSWER)
FALSE
No one is exempt from a stop and search, including children under 18 years of age. With all stop and searches, the welfare and safety of the person involved will be a priority. But all persons are susceptible to a stop and search in order to keep the community safe.
