Welcome to Devon & Cornwall Community Scrutiny Panel’s August Newsletter!
“I didn’t know what to expect from the DCCSP! I’ve learnt a lot at this month's scrutiny - it has provided me a huge amount of insight as the Policing Commander for North, East and West Devon and I'm incredibly thankful to panel members for giving up their time for such important work.”
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
This month we welcomed new panel members Helen, James, Maria, Martin and Uwem!
“The issues and challenges facing the police service are of interest to me, especially as a member of an ethnic minority and I realise I don’t know enough about how the service works. Learning more and making a contribution are important to me.”
Maria
Since the panel began in 2020, we have been able to serve our community through the generous contributions of local volunteers. Over this time, 43 community leaders have supported independent scrutiny of Devon & Cornwall Police by donating 2 hours of their time once a month.
Anyone over the age of 16 from Devon, Cornwall of the Isles of Scilly is warmly invited to join the panel, along with retired police staff living in the region who haven't held an active role in the last 3 years. To find out more email admin@dccspanel.org.uk
Green RAG Rated Case:
This month the panel recognised Sergeant 17857 for their exemplary use of police powers - solely managing a difficult situation through effective de-escalation and communication. Her professional and respectful actions were the closest to trauma informed practice the panel had seen in a while and panel members commended her conduct.
Finally, if you have any questions about the Chief Constable investigations, please direct them to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner opcc@dc-pcc.gov.uk.
DATA SCRUTINY
Injury from Use of Force
Initial analysis of injuries resulting from Use of Force showed a consistent monthly volume of records. Among those injured, approximately 6% were recorded as having a physical disability and 37% as having a mental disability. However, the quality of race data from June onwards was noted to be poor, making analysis by race unreliable for the panel.
The panel requested that Zoe clarify the distinction between mental health and mental disability, as well as how mental health contributes to the impact factors.
Disproportionality: Stop and search
For Self-Defined Ethnicity, a slight increase was noted in June in the proportion of Stop and Search, with 3% of total stops involving Black/African/Caribbean/Black British individuals.
If you wish to join the next Data Scrutiny Session on Monday 20th October, please contact our Data Scrutiny Chair, Zoe at zoe@dccspanel.org.uk.
Quiz Training Question:
The police can use Stop and Search powers as a tool to stop crime in ‘hot spot areas’
TRUE or FALSE?
Below you’ll find dates for the next online panel meetings with opportunities to meet our members, learn more about the panel’s work and ways you can make a difference:
Upcoming Dates:
Tues 5th September - 2:30 to 4:30pm . Stop & Search and Use of Force Case Scrutiny
Tues 5th September - 7 to 9pm . Stop & Search and Use of Force Case Scrutiny