A new independent scrutiny panel to make sure police in Herts are using ‘stop and search’ powers responsibly has held its first formal meeting.

The panel, established by county police and crime commissioner David Lloyd and chaired by a senior lawyer, is part of a programme of action to meet government requirements aimed at improving trust and confidence in the police with particular reference to stop and search, which were announced last year.

Panel chair Jeffrey Burke QC said: “Scrutiny is important to ensure these powers are exercised in a lawful, reasonable and non-discriminatory way. The panel is wholly independent of the police and represents a broad cross-section of the community.”

An inspection at the start of the year found that the Herts force was making good progress towards meeting previous recommendations with regard to stop and search.

Mr Lloyd said: “I will expect the force to continue to make improvements. The findings of the new independent panel will also help me to monitor the use of stop and search powers.”

You can contact the commissioners office by commissioner@herts.pnn.police.uk or by calling 01707 806100.