Devon and Cornwall Community Scrutiny Panel (DCCSP) is made possible through our diverse team of volunteer Community Leaders who increase accountability, awareness, recruitment and collaboration within the multiple sectors and communities they work, study and engage with.
Independent community panels are absolutely crucial to embed and sustain equality and accountability; upholding laws, policies and procedures that protect all individuals from discrimination.
We would love to extend an invitation to you! Either to engage, assist and/or learn from yours or your community's experiences with the police, or whether you'd like to be involved in the panel’s work.
DCCSP'S ROLE:
- Assess Devon and Cornwall Police data in relation to the rest of the UK - identifying areas for improvement and communities disproportionately affected.
- Monthly scrutiny panel meetings assessing local police officer’s Stop & Search and Use of Force body worn camera footage and examining the procedures taken.
- Act as a critical friend, recognising officers who promote best practice, as well as calling to account all practices contrary to standards set forth by the College of Policing following up points to action with police supervisors.
- Free independent training and ride-alongs for members of the public, volunteers, young people and organisations to gain an understanding of what accountable front line policing involves.
- Act as an independent point of contact for Community Complaint Triggers where members of the public can disclose concerns and the panel will act on their behalf.
- There are opportunities for members to increase their involvement through additional responsibilities such as: recruitment, raising awareness, media campaigns, training, engagement with the lay observation scheme, case selection or being part of the data committee.
- We also provide roles for members of the public who are unable to commit to regular scrutiny meetings but would like to be engaged in promoting the panel’s services. We value our volunteer’s time and work with them on what availability and sustainable positions work for them.
Panel members are based across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and all meetings, training and communication takes place online to support zero carbon emissions.
No previous experience or specific skills sets are necessary and anyone in the region is welcome to join this panel as long as they are not holding an active role in policing or have done so for at least 3 years.
If this is something you’re interested in exploring, or know of any other individuals from the region who are passionate about social justice, send us an email or visit our website for further information about who we are, what we do and how members of the public can get involved in building a system of equality and transparency.
