Get involved in improving stop and search

We do not underestimate the impact stop and search has on communities and individuals. We know that to maintain public confidence in its use, the power must be used in a correct and effective manner.

Community engagement

It's important to understand the impact stop and search has on communities and individuals. We do this through community engagement, scrutiny and community accountability.

Measuring the effect of stop and search

We publish stop and search data regularly so that we can be transparent about how stop and search is used, what is monitored and what is recorded. View our stop and search data.

How to get involved

Dorset Police has established an independent scrutiny panel that will hold the force to account on any stop and search issues. The members of the panel will reflect and represent the diverse communities of Dorset.

The panel sits at least quarterly and is made up of a diverse range of stakeholders. The group reviews examples of stop and search in practice through actual examination of stop search forms and police performance data.

Dorset Police also writes to a random selection of persons that have been subject to stop search to request feedback. Information and data from these sources is recorded and retained and considered by the panel. In addition, every complaint against police which concerns a stop search encounter will be considered by the panel.

If you wish to become involved in the independent scrutiny panel as a community representative, email us for more information.