DATA SCRUTINY PANEL February 2026
23rd February 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Actions Update:
Zoe shared that the Data Panel minutes are now published on the DCCSP website.
The panel was also informed of the new point contact for the data panel to the Force as the previous panel contact retired.
It was discussed that comparisons with previous month graphs would aid interpretation of data.
Disproportionality
-
The panel reviewed S&S data trends observing that the data quality remains relatively strong.
Ethnicity proportions appear stable across the reporting period, even when the volumes fluctuate.
No clear disproportionality concerns were identified within the current data.
Panel members discussed the relatively high number of NFA (No Further Action) outcomes. Although this appears high, Zoe highlighted that it remains below the national average.
-
The Panel noted continued poor data quality within the UoF data with approximately 40% of records lacking subject perceived race information, making disproportionality analysis difficult.
Zoe shared that this issue is as a result of data transfer between the mobile and central systems.
Longitudinal Trends Over Time:
Stop and Search
Trend analysis showed that seasonal increase during December and January, likely due to higher activity during the holiday season. Overall proportionality across ethnicity categories remained stable.
The panel noted that November and February represent partial months of data, which should be considered when interpreting trends.
Use of Force
The Panel noted continued poor data quality within the UoF data with approximately 40% of records lacking subject perceived race information, making disproportionality analysis difficult.
Zoe shared that this issue is as a result of data transfer between the mobile and central systems.
Thematic Context:
Mental Health and Injury
The panel explored the relationship between mental health indicators and injuries resulting from UoF.
It was noted that approximately 30% of all UoF records involve individuals flagged with a mental health condition however, around 42% of those who sustained injuries were recorded as having a mental health disability.
Age Analysis
Panel members discussed the age distribution within S&S and UoF data.
A number of recorders indicated subjects aged 0-10, which appears unusual, and some records also showed individuals stopped multiple times during the same period.
The panel suggested that the cases recorded as relating to children aged 0-10 should be flagged for the scrutiny panel to review during the wider panel discussions.
Data Quality
The panel discussed improving scrutiny of data accuracy, not just completeness.
ACTIONS
Follow up on progress of resolving the issue of missing race data in UoF records with the Force, including whether Pronto data can be shared separately.
Flag events logged as involving children in the 0-10 age group for wider panel scrutiny, as a specific focus within the Age thematic. Identify whether the Force has a specific safeguarding approach or policy for events where a child is stopped and searched, or has force used.
Flag events where the individual is logged as having a “mental health disability” and also an injury as a result of a Use of Force, for wider scrutiny as a specific focus within the Injury from Use of Force thematic.
Understand whether there is any national activity to simplify or standardise data capture for Stop and Search, or Use of Force. Ask the Force for the average time it takes officers to complete these forms for data collection. Understand the average time between an incident/event and the form being completed.
Interested in making a difference?
Improve accountability, transparency and trust between D&C Police and the communities they serve.
Receive free training, work alongside inspiring individuals and help make positive changes.
Scrutinise Stop & Search and Use of Force, or join sub-committees to share your skills or learn new ones.
