POLICE officers from East Hampshire’s prevention and neighbourhoods team are looking for volunteers to join their Independent Advisory Group.

The group is designed to hold the police to account regarding policies and practices within daily policing and will include checking stop-and-search forms and videos for accuracy and accountability.

There will also be an opportunity to ‘ride along’ with officers to better understand operational policing. And there may be instances where members are called to assist with community issues to give a balanced and objective view of ongoing incidents.

The team is particularly interested in hearing from 16 to 24 year olds who feel they may have an interest in the emergency services or who want to give something back to their community.

The advisory group meets roughly once a month to discuss community matters, audit stop-and-search forms, and help shape the future of policing in East Hampshire.

There is an interest also in speaking to people from across the community to ensure that diverse groups are represented.

English does not have to be your first language and anyone who is in a hard-to-reach group, such as an ethnic minority or transgender groups, is encouraged to apply.

The meetings will usually be in the daytime (but can be changed) at Alton or Petersfield police stations and help with transport for young people may be available.

For more details or to apply for a place on the advisory group, e-mail [email protected].