What are Police Encounter Panels?

Police encounter panels are being created to give communities an opportunity to feedback on policing encounters, by watching Body Worn Video (BWV) footage and offering their views on what went well or what the Met could improve.

The panels will be set up across 12 geographical Basic Command Units (BCUs), and will comprise of independent community members, senior police officers and the Met Federation or appropriate staff support associations.

Why do we need Police Encounter Panels?

The main purpose of these panels is to improve public trust and confidence in the Met, by allowing the community to offer appropriate scrutiny and feedback of policing encounters.

The panels aim to do this by:

  • incorporating the community experience of policing
  • using these experiences to improve the way officers understand interactions with the public
  • allowing local communities to review broader aspects of local policing practice

How to get involved?

We’re particularly interested in recruiting members from those communities that are most impacted by policing encounters (especially those aged under 25), but we welcome applications from all community members.

The panels will be organised by Basic Command Units (BCUs), the collective name for two to four boroughs that have joined together to provide a policing function. 

You can check which BCU you are a part of, by searching for your postcode.   

Please note: 

  • You must be over 18 to join a Police Encounter Panel.
  • You must live, work, be in education where your preferred panel sits, or have strong links to the local area. 
  • This is not a paid role.

If you are interested in joining a Police Encounter Panel or you would like to find out further information about the panels then please contact us. Your enquiry will be passed to your local police force who will be in contact shortly.