Teens to put West Midlands Police’s use of stop and search and force powers under the microscope
Teenagers will put West Midlands Police’s use of stop and search and use of force powers under the microscope to ensure they are being used fairly.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has launched a drive to get children and young adults aged between 14 and 24 to help scrutinise the force.
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The Youth Scrutiny Panels will empower young people to review and challenge police actions, ensuring they are accountable, lawful, proportionate and maintaining trust and confidence at all times.
By reviewing anonymised body-worn video footage and official data, the young panel members provide structured feedback directly to West Midlands Police.
This insight is designed to inform officer training, improve performance and address the disproportionate impact these powers often have on younger generations.
Meeting at neutral locations like Sandwell College and Birmingham City University (BCU) the panels ensure that feedback is provided in an environment where young people feel comfortable and heard.
In his annual report, published last month, Mr Foster said black people were still three times more likely to stopped and searched than white people while ethnic minority people were 1.8 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people.
Data revealed, in 2024/25, the force carried out a total of 26,622 stop and searches with body worn video used in 98 per cent of incidents.
Statistics also showed police deployed use of force powers 48,203 times in 2024/25 with body worn video used in 92 per cent of incidents.
Mr Foster, said: “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.
“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.”
The commissioner said recruitment remains open for anyone aged between 14 and 24 to get involved and ‘make a difference’ in their communities.
To find out more and apply, people can visit the West Midlands PCC Stop and Search Scrutiny page.
