BUSS Panel

A police officer’s use of their powers in relation to Use of Force and Stop/Search (BUSS) all need to be proportionate, lawful, and necessary. Officers are accountable for their actions and any application of their powers is open to legitimate review. The use of an independent scrutiny panel is a key part of that process. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) can enable Durham Constabulary’s learning and understanding via the panel’s perspective which reflects the community it serves.

The OPCC BUSS Panel works with Durham Constabulary to test the proportionality, legitimacy, and necessity of the application of the above police powers. The Panel achieves this by scrutinising and dip sampling Use of Force and Stop/Search submissions. They use available information including electronic records and body-worn video and continuously consider the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and protected characteristic experience throughout the cases they view. At the Panel’s discretion, specific areas within police powers maybe scrutinised e.g., vehicle search, taser, non-uniformed officer using powers etc. 

The panel, which consists of six members, meet every six weeks and scrutinise six cases which are randomly selected by the chair. These cases are presented by representatives from Durham Constabulary who also provide performance data in relation the panel. Recommendations that are suggested by the panel are taken away and acted on wherever possible, to enhance Organisational Learning and service improvements.

If you would like to get involved, find out how on our dedicated scrutiny page.