Ranjeev Pathak shares thoughts on how scrutiny in policing compares to the local authority model, the unique challenges of holding police to account, and why nurturing scrutiny skills early – even through something as simple as a shop receipt – matters for the next generation.
Ranjeev is Scrutiny Manager at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and a graduate of the CfGS Elevate Leadership Programme.
Similar… but different
The principles underpinning scrutiny within local authorities and policing share several core features. Both aim to provide a critical friend function characterised by openness, fairness, and transparency; both reflect the voice of the public; both are led by individuals independent of executive decision makers and both ultimately seek to drive continuous improvement for the benefit of residents and communities.
However, the way scrutiny is exercised within policing differs significantly from the local authority model. Police scrutiny is not conducted formally through committees but instead through a combination of boards, panels, and long standing professional relationships. It is less formalised and much more autonomous, led by PCC’s but delivered by officers who have the flexibility to shape and drive it forward.
Policing is an inherently emotive subject, in which everyone has a stake, view and is affected by, either directly or indirectly. As a result, scrutinising the police presents unique challenges which are not found in other forms of scrutiny across the public sector.
Police scrutiny is often more reactive and responsive to immediate issues. Its direction can shift rapidly, influenced by local, regional, national and international events. Events on the other side of the world can have swift and profound effect on public sentiment and policing priorities in the UK.
The scrutiny environment within policing is marked by fast decision making and direct access to key individuals such as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), senior police leaders, and a range of evidence sources (data, reports, strategies, policies, and operational teams). Operating within a culture shaped by operational urgency and structured risk management, scrutiny is able to challenge decisions at any stage without requiring a formal call in process. Barriers to access (e.g. to information), when they arise can often be overcome through direct engagement with senior officers or the Chief Constable’s Office.
The statutory basis for police scrutiny is set out in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, which established PCCs as successors to Police Authorities. PCCs are required to secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force and to hold the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of policing within their area.
Modern policing itself traces its roots to the Peelian Principles, established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829. At their core is the doctrine of policing by consent, the foundation of policing in England and Wales. Of the nine principles, one of the most significant is that “the police are the public, and the public are the police”, meaning police officers are members of the public entrusted (paid) to perform duties incumbent upon all citizens.
Policing touches the lives of everyone, and while overwhelmingly its impact is positive, failures can have severe consequences. Over recent decades, a series of high profile national scandals have significantly undermined public trust and confidence. These include the Brixton race riots (1981), which led to the introduction of the Police and Evidence (PACE) Act 1984 following the Scarman Report, the Hillsborough disaster (1989), which contributed to the development of the duty of candour; the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence (1993) and the subsequent Macpherson Report finding the Metropolitan Police Service to be institutionally racist, the Soham murders (2002), prompting reform in police information sharing and the abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard, perpetrated by a serving police officer, which intensified scrutiny of police culture and the response to violence against women and girls.
Because the police are the only institution in the UK empowered to deprive individuals of their liberty and to use force lawfully, maintaining high levels of public trust and confidence is essential. Scrutiny particularly of the use of police powers forms a vital part of the system of checks and balances. It provides assurance that policing is lawful, proportionate, and aligned with public expectations.
Scrutiny panels, alongside thematic deep dive reviews, play a vital role in holding the police to account. They provide a structured platform through which partners and members of the public can actively participate in scrutiny. Whether someone has been stopped and searched, experienced the use of force, or been detained in custody, their feedback and lived experience are essential to understanding how policing is delivered on the ground.
Individuals with direct experience of policing (both positive and negative) can make an invaluable contribution to the scrutiny process. By sharing their insights and suggesting areas for improvement, they help shape meaningful changes that can enhance the quality of policing for the wider public.
These individuals also serve as an important link to the community. They provide reassurance that policing practices are being independently examined, challenged, and held to account. In doing so, they help build confidence that scrutiny is not only happening, but is capable of driving real, positive change.
But change is coming…
The Government recently announced, as part of wider public sector reforms, that police forces across England and Wales will be merged into larger regional forces by 2034. The move towards larger regional forces will have significant implications for accountability, transparency, and the future architecture of police scrutiny but at present these are unknown.
In addition, the role of PCCs will be dissolved in 2028, to be replaced by elected Mayors in some areas and Policing and Crime Boards in others. We await the detail of how Mayors and police boards will hold regional police forces to account on behalf of their local communities.
The autonomous led scrutiny of the present may thrive in the new world or die a slow painful death within the confines of committee led structure, only time will tell. Whilst the future remains unknown, upskilling the next generation is just as important.
A single receipt can prompt a wide range of questions:
Who might shop there? What does the branding or product range suggest?
Does it look like a quick lunch stop, or part of a larger weekly shop?
Are they on a budget? Do they prefer healthier options? Do they have a sweet tooth?
Is this a significant spend, or just everyday basics?
Could that tell us anything about habits, convenience, or personal preference?
This simple exercise demonstrates that interrogating evidence, even something as mundane as a receipt can unlock meaningful questions and insights. It encourages young people to think critically, avoid assumptions, and deepen their understanding of the information in front of them.
Ranjeev.
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