Scrutiny Panels
Our Scrutiny Process
We monitor the Force by undertaking in-depth scrutiny work in particular aspects of police business. Scrutiny work comprises detailed evidence based assessment of particular services or issues of local concern that can be developed or improved.
In January 2008, the Authority reviewed its scrutiny framework and agreed a revised methodology to select and conduct scrutiny work. The Scrutiny Framework (PDF, 235KB) ensures a robust process of holding the Force to account for the services they provide.
What are Scrutiny Panels?
The Authority forms a ‘Scrutiny Panel’ made of 3 or 4 Members and Authority officers to carry out particular scrutinies. To ensure that the Panel works as effectively as possible, one Member is appointed to be Panel Lead. The Panel lead is responsible for the outcomes of the scrutiny. The Panel agrees the objectives and scope of the particular scrutiny and carries out the fieldwork to provide the evidence to support any recommendations.
Scrutiny Sessions carried out in 2009/2010
- Burglary Dwelling Scrutiny
We completed a scrutiny into Burglary Dwelling (more commonly known as Domestic Burglary or House Burglary); the Scrutiny Panel reported their findings to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee on 26 March 2010. - Business Continuity Scrutiny
We carried out a scrutiny looking at the Force and Authority's Business Continuity arrangements and reported to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee on 19 November 2009.
Scrutiny Sessions carried out in 2008/2009
- Volume Crime Scrutiny
The first Scrutiny Panel looked at Volume Crime and reported to Scrutiny and Audit Committee on 31 July 2008. Fieldwork was carried out between 10 April 2008 – early July 2008. - Access to Policing Scrutiny
Between August and October 2008, the Authority conducted a scrutiny in 'Access to Policing'. A report was submitted to the Scrutiny and Audit Committee Meeting on 26 November 2008. As part of this scrutiny, a consultation exercise was carried out inviting local feedback and comments on 'access' issues. There were 727 responses to our online and paper survey and feedback was reflected in the final report. - Force Communications and Control Centre Scrutiny
The FCCC Scrutiny was a recommendation that was suggested during part of the Access to Policing Scrutiny. The fieldwork took place between 15 December 2008 and 30 March 2009 and reported to the Scrutiny and Audit Committee on 21 May 2009.
Lessons Learned
At the end of each scrutiny, it is useful to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement and development. As part of a continuous improvement process, documenting lessons learned can help us to discover the root causes of problems that occurred and avoid those problems in later scrutinies. It is also useful to understand how the Force has learnt from the scrutiny process.
Implementation and Outcomes
You can find out more about the implementation, outcomes and lasting benefits of the Authority's scrutinies in the 'How Are We Doing' section of this website. Look under 'Scrutiny Findings - Implementation and Outcomes'.