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Kent Police Independent Advisory Group

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What is an Independent Advisory Group (IAG)?

They are a collection of volunteers of all ages and from a diverse range of communities who help us enhance the delivery of our services across Kent by providing Kent Police with impartial advice and by questioning or challenging our practices in a constructive way.  To ensure their independence, the groups are funded directly by the Kent Police Authority.

The Strategic Independent Advisory Group provides advice on forcewide policies and procedures.

Local Independent Advisory Groups are established in each of the six policing areas in Kent. They also offer impartial advice to the senior officers delivering police services at their local level.

Why do we need the IAG? 

We gain a community perspective that helps build trust and confidence through improved service delivery, so improving community cohesion.  It helps us develop policy and strategy that is non-discriminatory and supports critical incidents and investigations.

What is their role? 

The role of the IAG is to advise and observe the police and offer constructive criticism. Members bring experience based on being a member of the public who has been the recipient of policing services and are often selected for their knowledge of a particular community.

They will also be able to assist in police training. This all helps us to deal with an incident, or the impact of an incident, and its effect on our diverse  communities. The responsibility for delivering against that advice rests wholly with police officers. IAG members do not act as investigators, mediators, advocates or intermediaries and are not answerable to the police. 

Kent Police is committed to carefully considering the advice received from all IAG members. The service remains legally responsible for the action taken by officers and, as such, there will be occasions when the action taken will differ from that advised by the IAG. This does not mean that the advice is not valued and has not been taken into account.

Where possible, Kent Police will make sure the IAG is told what action, if any, is taken upon their advice and the reasons why that action has been taken.

Who can join?

Anyone can apply to be an advisor. You should have an interest in policing in Kent and the effect it has on your community and be willing to highlight any criticisms you have and offer suggestions about how Kent Police could do things better. Your own experiences, and those of people you know, should put you in a position to advise from experience. You are not, however, expected to represent your community or group.

Kent Police is particularly keen to attract people to reflect the interests of:

  • black and minority ethnic communities (including Gypsies and Travellers)
  • faith and non faith communities
  • lesbian, gay or bisexual people
  • transgender people
  • people with physical, sensory and/or learning disabilities
  • refugees and asylum seekers

To carry out the role it is important that you can:

  • work with people from different backgrounds and communities
  • be willing to make a contribution to police plans and policy
  • express and explain your views to others
  • listen and consider other people’s views
  • speak on your own behalf, rather than as a group representative
  • question and challenge the views of others in a constructive way
  • work as part of a team

You can still apply even if you have a criminal conviction. It is often the views of those who have been through a police process that give us a valuable insight into how we can change things if needed.

How often do the IAGs meet?

The IAGs meet at least four times a year, with meetings held in the evenings. If you become a member of the Executive Committee of the Strategic IAG, you will be required to attend additional meetings which are normally held a month ahead of the full meetings.

There may also be occasions when the IAG, or individual members, will be asked for advice on specific issues. In cases like this, you might be called upon at short notice but this will only be done in exceptional circumstances.

National IAG work

The 2010 National IAG was held in Ashford, Kent between 22-23 November.  

How do I find out more?

For more information either

  • write to Diversity Support Team (IAG), Kent Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone, Kent  ME15 9BZ.
  • call 01622 652444 or
  • email us