Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel
The Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel (ISoPPP) is a group of independent individuals from the local communities who review and provide oversight of how police powers are exercised in specific situations. The panel examines cases where police actions may have a significant impact on the public, such as the use of stop and search, arrests, or the use of force. Their role is to ensure that police powers are used fairly, lawfully, and in a way that respects individuals’ rights. The panel provides valuable scrutiny and recommendations to help improve policing practices, increase transparency, and build public trust.
We are not currently recruiting for this role.
Panel members meet quarterly to discuss a sample of cases and footage in relation to Stop and Search and Use of Force powers. After each meeting a quarterly report is produced detailing points of discussion from the meeting, statistics, and an Organisational Learning Tracker.
To find out more, view the Scrutiny Panels Reports.
Aims of the Panel
The ISoPP Panel:
- helps look at the use of Taser, stop and search, body worn video and the Use of Force by the police
- act as a ‘critical friend’ to the PCC and the police by understanding and communicating local people’s perspectives
- provide feedback on the use of police powers and provide organisational learning
- increase transparency and public knowledge about the safeguards and complexity related to the use of police powers.
For further information about the aims and objectives read the panel’s role profile (PDF) and Terms of Reference (PDF).
Visit Avon and Somerset Police’s website for more information about Stop and Search Rights.
Who can join the Panel?
Volunteers are required to be:
- Over the age of 18 years old
- Living or working in Avon and Somerset
- Able to attend meetings during the day at Avon and Somerset Police headquarters in Portishead.
All volunteers are subject to police vetting checks.
Join the Panel
We are not currently recruiting for this role.
‘For the past seven years, I’ve been a volunteer with the OPCC’s ISoPPP – a role I never imagined taking on. In our capacity as a critical friend to ASP, we hold local policing and the use of their powers accountable on behalf of the citizens of Avon and Somerset. Through our work, we’ve identified concerning practices and highlighted effective ones, leading to the creation of a new stop and search policy, improvements in compliant handcuffing techniques, enhanced de-escalation training, and a comprehensive review of child safeguarding practices. Our contributions demonstrate that our voices truly matter to the constabulary, and we can clearly see the impact we have on policing practices across all communities in A&S.’ Panel member