Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel

• Are you passionate about making a positive difference to policing?
• Do you want an opportunity to volunteer where you can make a real impact?
• Can you work closely with others to effectively question and challenge information?

Read on to find out more information about the panel, what being a member involves and how to apply.

What is a Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel?

Arresting individuals and bringing them into custody is key to police work. The police must secure evidence, obtain forensic samples, and protect victims and survivors of crime.

An arrest can be a significant and traumatic event for a person.

The Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel helps the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime hold the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police accountable for practices affecting those in custody.

What does a member of the panel do?

As a member, you will:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure independent scrutiny and transparency in police custody.
• Objectively and independently review matters of disproportionality like strip searches, use of force, length of detention, and access to services.

When and where does the panel meet?

The panel covers all five West Yorkshire areas: Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield.

The panel meets at least four times a year during the workweek.

All members can receive reasonable travel and expense payments.

What are the criteria for joining the panel?

Panel members come from diverse backgrounds, including established scrutineers, those with lived experience of custody and/or disproportionality, community leaders/advocates or subject matter experts who can effectively challenge and question information to make fair judgments.

Members will be supported to ensure their voices are heard.

Members serve for a minimum of two years and must:

• Be over 18.
• Live, work, or study in West Yorkshire.
• Be able to travel for meetings across West Yorkshire during the workday.

How do I apply?

We are recruiting! To apply to join the panel, please read the Welcome Pack and complete the Application Form below.

• Welcome Pack
• Application Form and Supporting Documents

Email your completed application to: policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Or post to: Custody Detention Scrutiny Panel Manager, Policing and Crime Team, Wellington House, 40-50 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2DE

Closing date: Sunday 19 April 2026

For more information or to discuss the role, please contact us:

Email: policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk
Tel: 0113 348 1740 (leave a message, and the team will call you back)
Post: Policing and Crime Team, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Wellington House, 40-50 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2DE