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
Ride Along Scheme
The Ride Along scheme offers members of the public the opportunity to accompany our officers on patrol and experience first hand how stop and search may be used. The scheme enables two-way learning and helps create greater understanding and closeness between the police and the public.
To take part in the scheme you must be aged 18 or over.
We’ll conduct criminal record checks: each case is considered individually, so previous convictions won’t automatically prevent a Ride Along.
We’ll give you a confidentiality agreement and observer briefing sheet that you must read and sign.
We reserve the right to refuse participation in this scheme and to terminate the Ride Along at any point.
For more information and details of how to apply, please use our quick and simple online Ride Along scheme application form.
If your application is successful, local police will agree a time and location for you to accompany officers. After the Ride Along, you will be asked to complete a feedback questionnaire required by the Home Office as part of their Best use of stop and search scheme.
Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel
The stop and search scrutiny panel meets monthly to review a selection of stop and search incidents across the county. It advises whether police action in each incident was effective, legitimate and appropriate and gives feedback that is used by the organisation to help improve processes and training.
Please email us to ask about the results of the stop and search scrutiny panels.