Teenagers hold West Midlands Police to account to prevent abuse of power
Teenagers and young adults are being asked to monitor footage from West Midlands Police body-worn cameras to prevent an abuse of power.
Teenagers and young people in the West Midlands are holding local police officers to account by assessing footage from their body-worn cameras.
14-24-year-olds are being asked to monitor the videos pertaining to stop-and-search and use-of-force powers to ensure officers are using those powers correctly.
The idea of the Youth Scrutiny Panel is to review and challenge actions by West Midlands Police officers, particularly regarding these powers, which disproportionately impact younger generations.
Meeting at neutral locations like Sandwell College and Birmingham City University (BCU) the panels ensure that feedback is provided in an environment where young people feel comfortable and heard.
West Midlands Police conducted 2,339 stop and search warrants in January 2026
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “Stop and Search and the Use of Force are essential police powers to prevent and tackle crime. They are also among the most intrusive powers the police have. It is vital they are used fairly, lawfully and, proportionately.
“Young people are often the most affected by these interactions, yet their voices have historically been under-represented. These new Youth Scrutiny Panels are a significant step forward in accountability, oversight and scrutiny.
“By enabling young people, to view body worn video and provide comment and feedback, we are ensuring that West Midlands Police is held to account by the very people it serves, helping to build the trust and confidence that is essential for effective policing.”