The PCC has a statutory duty to hold the Force to account, on behalf of all Cleveland’s communities.
The PCC is also required to help build public confidence in policing.
To fulfil these duties, the PCC scrutinises certain areas through activities involving members of the public. These activities include:
By representing the communities in Cleveland, Independent Scrutiny Volunteers can assist the PCC in achieving community-led, tangible improvements in policing.
Apply

The OPCC wants to hear from you if you have a real commitment to:
- Driving improvements in public services;
- Providing constructive feedback and challenge;
- Representing the public and communities of Cleveland; and
- Making a positive contribution to help shape local policing outcomes.
Giving your time to a cause you believe in, in order to influence policing, can be very rewarding.
Independent Scrutiny Volunteers are usually recruited as and when vacancies arise, however, the OPCC does take expressions of interest all year round.
Eligibility

The first step is to submit an application. Before you apply, you need to check the eligibility criteria, which is:
- You must be aged 18 years or over and live in the Cleveland Police area.
- You must be willing to undertake security vetting to an appropriate level for certain roles and must disclose in your application form whether you have ever been convicted of any offences punishable with imprisonment within the last five years, or have any criminal convictions. This information is a requirement in all applications but may not necessarily affect your application.
- You must be willing to serve for a minimum of two years (extendable to three years before re-application).
- Depending on the role you are interested in, you must be willing to attend regular meetings throughout each year (Ethics Committee); OR undertake regular visits (Independent Custody Visitors Scheme.)
- You must be willing to undertake training as required.
- You must be willing to sign confidentiality agreements and adhere to relevant legislation
- You must not be a current serving Councillor within the Cleveland Police area, a current police officer/member of police staff, a member of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, a magistrate or an appropriate adult.
*Please note, other restrictions may apply
Apply
The OPCC welcomes applications from people from all of Cleveland’s diverse communities.
To apply, to become an Independent Scrutiny Volunteer, please read the role profile and complete the application and monitoring forms below:
Further Information
Please return your completed forms to: [email protected].