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

Independent Advisory Group

Our Independent Advisory Group (IAG) advise on Durham Constabulary’s working practices, policies and procedures from a community perspective. They help us to engage with and understand the needs of all of our communities and to tailor our services to suit their needs. 

The Independent Advisory Group represent the diverse communities of County Durham and Darlington. The group meet every three months to facilitate a two way flow of information that promotes a better understanding of the role of the police service and the impact that it has in diverse communities.

The main aim of the IAG is to:

• advise the police service with regard to service delivery so that they can increase trust and confidence in the Criminal Justice Services (CJS) amongst diverse communities
• be a critical friend to the police service with regards to their response to critical incidents
• advise the Joint Hate Crime Action group on community issues
• provide independent advice to the police in relation to:
  • written strategies, policies and procedures and their effect on diverse communities
  • training within Durham Constabulary (where appropriate, assist in evaluating training courses and providing input to training)
  • service delivery – in relation to hate crime and the equality of service provided to diverse communities by conducting scrutiny

If you would be interested in becoming a member of the IAG, you can contact us:

• by email
• by writing to us at:

Cohesion Unit
Durham Constabulary Headquarters
Aykley Heads
Durham
DH1 5TT