Get involved in improving stop and search

We do not underestimate the impact stop and search has on communities and individuals. We know that to maintain public confidence in its use, the power must be used in a correct and effective manner.

Community engagement

It's important to understand the impact stop and search has on communities and individuals. We do this through community engagement, scrutiny and community accountability.

Measuring the effect of stop and search

We publish stop and search data regularly so that we can be transparent about how stop and search is used, what is monitored and what is recorded. View our stop and search data.

How to get involved

Lay Observation scheme 

The Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme requires police forces to provide opportunities for members of the public to accompany police officers on patrol when they might deploy stop and search powers.

The introduction of a 'lay observation' process allows for two-way learning, and helps bring police closer to the public. Under this process: 

• Members of the public are provided with the opportunity to see stop and search in action.
• The police have the opportunity to demonstrate their use of stop and search.
• The public has the opportunity to provide feedback to the police based upon their observations.

Applicants will need to be voluntarily vetted prior to being approved to accompany an officer. They will also need to be flexible regarding the hours they accompany an officer, and the area where they patrol, although we will endeavour to find an area close to their home address.

Please note that the following restrictions apply:

• Applicants who are under the age of 18 will not be considered for this scheme.
• Participants will be restricted to one observation every six months.
• Applicants must reside within the Cumbria Constabulary geographical boundaries.
• Applicants must have no serious or recent convictions that may be considered to pose a security risk. The decision as to whether an individual poses a security risk will be at the discretion of Cumbria Constabulary following vetting procedures.
• Applicants are not entitled to reimbursement of any expenses incurred in connection with this scheme.
• Applicants must not already be members of Cumbria Constabulary - this includes police volunteers, staff and special constables.

You can apply by emailing us or by writing to:

Lay observation scheme
Cumbria Police Headquarters,
1-2 Carleton Hall,
Penrith,
Cumbria,
CA10 2AU

Please include the following in your application:

• you name and address
• date of birth
• email address
• telephone number
• any medical or welfare requirements (optional)

Ethics and integrity panel

The Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has established an ethics and integrity panel to ensure the highest standards of professional policing and accountability in the use of police powers, including stop and search. The panel currently has four members of the public appointed to it and meets on a quarterly basis.

Find out more about the panel and how to contact the PCC.