PCC set to examine police powers and use of Stop and Search in latest scrutiny meeting.

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen will review the exercise of important police powers including Stop and Search as part of her responsibility to maintain public confidence and trust in policing.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC is to host her latest Public Accountability Meeting on Thursday 30th March and is inviting members of the public to submit questions ahead of the event on issues around police powers and the use of Stop and Search tactics.

The Commissioner’s Public Scrutiny Meetings provide a platform for the PCC to hold the Chief Constable to account and ensure the force is making the progress she expects against her Police and Crime Plan priorities.

During the meeting, Durham Constabulary will deliver a presentation on police powers, a general overview of their application and discuss the measures being taken to provide assurance of their effective and appropriate use and ensure the work of officers stands up to the highest level of scrutiny.

Commissioner Allen said: “In this country, our approach to policing is one of consent. This means that for policing to be truly effective, there must be public support and confidence in the actions of our officers.

“Our police officers have significant powers at their disposal which can impact people’s lives and freedom. It is vital we maintain a strong system of accountability so that we can continue to reassure the public that these powers are being used in the most appropriate and ethical way possible. My Public Accountability Meetings provide a framework for this scrutiny, enabling residents to raise their concerns directly with the Chief Constable by submitting questions to my office in advance.”

The deadline for submission of questions is Monday 13th March. Please email: General.EnquiriesPCC@durham-pcc.gov.uk

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