People in Stone have the opportunity to join an independent panel that examines the work of the police in Staffordshire.
The Ethics, Transparency and Audit Panel (ETAP) set up by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis aims for policing in Staffordshire to be the most open and transparent in the country.
Nine members of the public currently sit on the panel and meet regularly to examine the work of police, including how crime is recorded, how complaints from the public are dealt with, police finances and use of Tasers.
The rigour and scrutiny brought by the ETAP to crime recording was praised in last year’s Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s assessment of policing in Staffordshire.
Following ETAP’s success, the number of panel members is expanding to match its growing scope and work programme. Application forms will be available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/eta from Monday 8th June for those interested in joining, with a closing date 30th June.
Mr. Ellis said: “Honest and independent scrutiny by the public is crucial as we strive to set the bar higher and create a new dawn of transparency in policing. This is about being open and transparent so that public confidence across policing and criminal justice is improved. This panel has used its wide-ranging and rigorous powers to scrutinise crime recording, forensics, Taser use and stop-and-search to make sure decisions made by the police are correct and in the best interests of the public. We’re looking for more members of the public to step forward and get involved in this vital work.”
Interviews for successful ETAP candidates will take place at Police HQ in Stafford on Monday 13th July, with inductions for those selected taking place in August and September.
In the wake of ETAP’s success, new local independent panels are being launched so that people can influence policing in their communities and help hold local police commanders to account at the most local level. People interested in joining a Safer Neighbourhood Panel in their area should visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-neighbourhood-panels
