Could you join our Community Scrutiny Panel?

POLICE and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston is looking for new volunteers to join Cambridgeshire’s Community Scrutiny Panel.

The independently chaired Panel holds the Constabulary to account for the way in which police officers carry out stop and search and apply use of force.  

“With a national backdrop of confidence in our police, particularly among ethnic minorities, scrutiny of police work by the community is seen as a key tool in rebuilding trust in front line operations,” explains Darryl. “We rely on the police behaving in a way which maintains the support of the public.

“An important part of my job is to hold the Chief Constable to account for the way that officers and staff carry out their roles. Our Scrutiny Panel plays a vital role in helping to ensure officers carry out their duty in line with strict protocols and professionalism.”

Independent chair, Al Gadney from Cambridge says: “We need Panel members from every walk of life, in particular, younger members from age 16 upwards and those from ethnic communities.  No previous knowledge is required and all our members share the same ambition of wanting to make a positive difference within their communities.

“It is hugely important that where possible our panel is represented by people from areas of the community that are most affected by policing. Over the past 2 years we have built an open and frank relationship with the Constabulary who have made many changes and positive improvements.  We want to build further on this and bring in those communities from across Cambridgeshire that have the greatest distrust of policing. Only then can we truly represent the whole diverse community.”

A current member explains: “I would highly recommend becoming a Panel member as the evenings are insightful, enjoyable and rewarding. I find my participation very rewarding and contributing to ‘making a difference’. I would urge anyone to step up and come and join us.”

Now that the panel is coming into its third year of service, the Commissioner and Chair are looking for new members. Volunteers receive training and whilst commitments can be more flexible for younger members in full time education, volunteers are anticipated to attend just 4 panel meetings per year. Meetings are roughly monthly, giving people plenty of opportunity to become involved.  

The meetings are usually held in the evenings and last around 2 hours. 

Al adds: “If you believe in policing fairness and equality and are looking for a volunteering opportunity, then this role will have a direct impact on police operations and could be just the role you are looking for.”

 For an informal chat or further details contact: cambs-pcc@cambs.police.uk.

You can also visit: The Police & Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire | Community Scrutiny Group (cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk)