Your feedback matters
Being stopped and searched can be an unpleasant experience, no matter the approach of the police officers involved. But if it’s felt that there has been unnecessary force or an inappropriate attitude, then we'd like to hear about it and, where necessary, act upon it. Likewise, we welcome any suggestions or positive comments you’d like to share.
Tell us about your experience of being stopped by the police
If you feel you’ve had an unpleasant or unsatisfactory experience, you may wish to make a formal complaint. You can do so if you think a police officer has behaved incorrectly or unfairly. For example, if you think an officer has:
- been rude to you
- used excessive force
- abused your rights
- arrested you unlawfully
All complaints are investigated and this can take time.
To make a formal complaint and for more information about how complaints are investigated, read our complaints pages. If you've had a positive experience, you can offer us feedback.
Alternatives to a formal complaint
To raise an issue about something that has caused you concern, or was done well, it may be worth giving feedback. This might be particularly useful if you've witnessed something where, because you were not directly affected, you feel reluctant to make a formal contact, but you still feel unhappy, or pleased, about the way you've seen police officers behave.
If you want to raise a concern about a stop and search, you can complete a stop and search trigger application.
How to get involved
Independent stop and search scrutiny panel
Having trust and belief in Hertfordshire Constabulary is essential to our communities. We are open and transparent with them on issues such as stop and search and, by showing that we are accountable for our actions, we aim to improve that trust.
The stop and search scrutiny panel holds Hertfordshire Constabulary to account on stop and search issues and helps us improve our use of this important policing power.
The panel of volunteers meets monthly to review and scrutinise our use of stop and search. Random dip-samples take place, including body worn video, and the panel then look at the method and legality of stop and searches and their appropriateness.
By examining records, officer statements and body worn video footage, they give feedback to us. Any feedback received from any of the scrutiny sessions, either positive or negative, is fed back into the organisation so we can continue to listen to your views and shape our organisation to proudly serve our communities in the way they expect and deserve.
For more information about the panel, including data and reports and how you can get involved, visit the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) website.