Youth Panels to Examine West Midlands Police Stop and Search and Use of Force
Teenagers and young adults across the West Midlands are set to place police stop and search practices and use of force powers under detailed scrutiny. Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has initiated a new drive to engage individuals aged between 14 and 24 in reviewing these critical police actions.
Empowering Young Voices in Police Accountability
The newly established Youth Scrutiny Panels aim to empower young people to assess and challenge police conduct, ensuring it remains accountable, lawful, and proportionate. This initiative seeks to maintain public trust and confidence in law enforcement at all times.
By analyzing anonymized body-worn video footage and official police data, panel members will provide structured feedback directly to West Midlands Police. This input is intended to shape officer training programs, enhance overall performance, and tackle the disproportionate effects these powers frequently have on younger generations.
Addressing Disproportionate Impacts and Historical Data
In his annual report published last month, Commissioner Foster highlighted ongoing disparities. Black individuals were three times more likely to be stopped and searched compared to white people, while ethnic minority groups faced a 1.8 times higher likelihood.
Statistical data from 2024/25 reveals that West Midlands Police conducted 26,622 stop and search incidents, with body-worn video utilized in 98 percent of cases. Additionally, police employed use of force powers 48,203 times during the same period, with body-worn video captured in 92 percent of these incidents.
Creating Comfortable Environments for Constructive Feedback
Meetings for the Youth Scrutiny Panels will be held at neutral locations such as Sandwell College and Birmingham City University. These venues are chosen to foster environments where young participants feel comfortable and heard, facilitating open and honest discussions.
Commissioner Foster emphasized the importance of these panels, stating, "Stop and Search and the Use of Force are essential police powers to prevent and tackle crime. They are also among the most intrusive powers the police have. It is vital they are used fairly, lawfully and proportionately."
He added, "Young people are often the most affected by these interactions, yet their voices have historically been under-represented. These new Youth Scrutiny Panels are a significant step forward in accountability, oversight and scrutiny."
Ongoing Recruitment for Community Impact
Recruitment for the Youth Scrutiny Panels remains open to all individuals aged 14 to 24 who wish to contribute and make a positive difference in their communities. This initiative represents a proactive approach to involving younger demographics in critical oversight processes, ensuring their perspectives are integral to policing practices.
