Teenagers aged 14 to 24 will soon play a crucial role in monitoring how West Midlands Police use stop and search and use of force powers to ensure fairness and accountability. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, aims to give young people a voice in police oversight.
The newly formed Youth Scrutiny Panels will allow participants to review anonymised body-worn video footage and official police data. By analyzing these materials, panel members provide structured feedback directly to the police force. Their insights are intended to enhance officer training, improve operational performance, and address concerns over the disproportionate impact these powers have on younger communities.
Panels will convene in neutral and comfortable settings such as Sandwell College and Birmingham City University, fostering open dialogue where young people feel heard and respected.
READ MORE: Armed Robber Posing as Police Officer Attacks Couple in Birmingham Home Raid
READ MORE: Seven Asda and Hobbycraft Products Recalled Over Asbestos Concerns
According to Foster’s recent annual report, black individuals remain three times more likely than white individuals to be stopped and searched, while ethnic minorities overall are 1.8 times more likely to face these police powers. In 2024/25 alone, West Midlands Police conducted 26,622 stop and searches—98 percent of which involved body-worn cameras—and deployed use of force powers 48,203 times, with cameras used in 92 percent of those incidents.
Simon Foster emphasized the importance of these powers: “Stop and Search and the Use of Force are essential police tools to prevent and tackle crime. However, they are among the most intrusive powers available, making it critical they are applied fairly 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 represent a major step forward in transparency and accountability.”
Recruitment for the panels remains open to all young people aged 14 to 24 who want to contribute to positive change in their communities.