Independent Advisory Groups

Independent Advisory Groups

 
Local Arrangements
 
Humberside Police Authority and Humberside Police benefit immensely from external involvement from individuals, groups, organisations and communities. Their broader perspective makes policing at both strategic and tactical level more effective and more responsive to community needs. Independent advice is especially valuable in relation to critical incidents, major investigations and developing policies and procedures.
 
Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) advise on the impact of policies, procedures, critical incidents and investigation methods on communities. Members are not, however, investigators, mediators, advocates or intermediaries. In considering the advice given Humberside Police and Police Authority are better placed to improve the effectiveness of policing services throughout Humberside.
 
The role of the IAG in Humberside is to give advice; however, the responsibility of the outcomes rests wholly with Humberside Police.
 
In Humberside the force level Independent Advisory Group consists of twelve community members and eight representatives from the four policing divisions. The Group is supported and administered by the Police Authority and attended by the Assistant Chief Constable and head of the Community and Race Relations Unit of Humberside Police.
 
There are also smaller IAG groups who sit at Divisional level responsible for local and community issues but these groups remain under the ownership of Humberside Police via the Divisional Commanders. 
 
What does the Independent Advisory Group do?
  • Contributes to building the trust and confidence of the community
  • Encourages better community engagement
  • Assists in the development of policies, procedures and strategies
  • Provides advice during critical incidents and investigations
  • Complies with the requirements of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report, the Race Relations Act 1976 (as amended) the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  • Identifies and promotes good practice.
Members of the IAG will:
 
Give strategic advice at the request of the Police Authority or the force about managing and investigating an incident regarding specific incidents or issues within the communities represented, or the development of policy and procedure.
 
In particular they will:
 
                                       i.      Assess the impact within relevant communities
                                       ii.      Suggest how to access effective communication channels
                                       iii.      Provide details of people who may be able to assist police in the incident, investigation or development of policy
                                      iv.      Identify avenues of enquiries and comment as to how they affect communities and cultures
                                      v.      Identify areas/issues where conflict may occur.
 
Give a community perspective on:
 
                                       i.      How the incident, investigation, or development of policy is likely to be perceived by communities
                                       ii.      How particular police activities are likely to be perceived by communities
 
Give a personal perspective:
 
                                       i.      As a person who is connected to a particular community
                                       ii.      As a person who is part of that community on how the community may feel about what the police are proposing to do.
 
In addition, an Advisor can:
 
                                       i.      Advise on cultural and other issues, specifically relevant to the community involved
                                       ii.      Give guidance on communication with victims, families and witnesses.
 
How do I get involved?
 
If you represent a diverse community within the Humberside area and you would like to know more about applying to become an Independent Advisory Group Member, please contact:
 
Victoria Wise
Consultation, Partnership and External Relations Officer
Humberside Police Authority
01482 307234