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Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel (CDSP)

Scrutiny panels enable members of the community to constructively and objectively review police interactions with the public, hold them to account for their actions, influence policies, and improve performance and service that the public receive.

What is a CDSP?

A Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel (CDSP) observes and provides feedback on practices within Police Custody, examining cultural or adopted practices, or any disproportionality in the application of police powers, which may impact on detainees whilst in police care.

Why?

To help build trust and confidence in Northamptonshire Police, the Office of the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner is introducing a CDSP in 2025, aiming to improve services where required, and ensure greater accountability.

Who?

The Panel will consist of members of the community and professional experts.

How?

The CDSP will be presented with several cases to review, including a range of different custody practices such as use of force, strip searches, remand in custody, use of anti-rip clothing, responses to mental health, and other topics at the request of the Panel. Scrutiny panel members will be provided with the relevant legislation, guidance, and policies ahead of the meeting to provide context.

Recommendations by the Panel will be provided to Northamptonshire Police, and an annual report will be published to the wider public to summarise findings.

When?

The Panel will meet online, every four months.

How do I apply to be a Panel Member?

The PFCC is currently recruiting members. A role description can be viewed here. A Person Specification can be viewed here.

Applications are welcome from people who have experienced Police Custody.

Anyone interested can email alexa.daly@northantspfcc.gov.uk.

Please note, Northamptonshire Police will conduct a background check as part of the application process.

Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel Application Form

Title(Required)

First Name(s)(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Any other names you have been known by

Permanent Home Address(Required)

Number of years at this address(Required)

(If less than 5 years please complete previous address)

Previous Address

Number of years at this address

Date of Birth(Required)

Age(Required)

Place of Birth(Required)

Nationality(Required)

National Insurance Number(Required)

Home Telephone Number

Work Telephone Number

Mobile Telephone Number(Required)

Email(Required)

Have you ever been involved in voluntary work for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Northamptonshire Police or Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service before? If so, please provide details

Please provide us with details of any part-time or full-time work over the last five years (most recent first)(Required)

Please include the name and address of the employer, dates, position held and duties.

Do you do any other voluntary work or public service?(Required)

If 'Yes' please give details below:

Why would you like to be a CDSP member?

Please tell us what skills, experience and qualities you have that would make you a good CDSP member. Please provide examples under each of the headings below.(Required)

Communication skills

Awareness of diversity and equality

Objectivity/ impartiality

Do you consider yourself to be disabled?(Required)

Do you have any medical condition that may affect your ability to carry out the duties of a CDSP member?(Required)

Are there any special arrangements you would require if attending an interview? (eg. access, disabled parking)(Required)

If you have answered 'Yes' to any of the above questions please provide more details below.

This will not necessarily affect your application.

**The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people with disabilities. Applicants with disabilities who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification will be guaranteed an interview. The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has: “A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities” **

Do you have a current full car or motorcycle license?(Required)

This will not affect your application but may influence which tasks you are set, if successful.

In the last five years have you had any criminal convictions or been convicted of any offence punishable by imprisonment?(Required)

If you have answered 'Yes' to the above question please provide more details below.

The inclusion of this question and the provision of the information is a requirement in all applications but may not necessarily affect your application. Offences covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 need not be declared above if spent.

To help us with recruitment in the future, please advise how/where you learnt about the CDSP?(Required)

Please give the name of two referees who have agreed to support your application.(Required)

One should be a professional who knows you e.g. teacher/solicitor accountant/community leader or a manager at work. The other can be a character reference who should have known you for at least two years. (Referees should not be family members).

DECLARATION - I agree to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner undertaking a Police National Computer (PNC) check in connection with my application as a volunteer. I have read the information supplied to me concerning the duties and responsibilities of a CDSP member and would be prepared, if my application is accepted, to complete the appropriate undertaking in respect of confidentiality.