Leicestershire Police are seeking volunteers to become part of the Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs) to help advise and shape policing in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 

The groups have been part of the policing landscape for many years but new volunteers from diverse groups are needed to ensure that the right voices are heard. 

The purpose of IAGs is to facilitate genuine partnerships with local communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to encourage more active involvement of and with people from the full range of diverse groups.

Officers are seeking a network of individuals independent of the police drawn from across the county who offer a diversity of background, perceptions, ideas, knowledge and skills which form one part of the jigsaw of wider community consultation and engagement.

Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: "IAG's are a vital part of how we listen to the community and we are seeking a wide range of people to help us hear what the public experience is and therefore really help shape policing in our area. In my long career of over 30 years I have worked with a number of wonderful people who have made significant contributions to policing ensuring that the local voice is heard and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and join our IAGs." 

Leicestershire Police are seeking people who can help build insight into the needs, wants and concerns of communities in decision making processes. The role is not to provide specialist advice but more as a 'critical friend' to the police, challenging conventional thinking and providing an independent perspective on issues, working as a genuine partner with the police to inform and promote improvements. 

Volunteers are sought to provide advice on the public's perception of policing and to contribute to thinking around the development of policies and practices. By being part of the IAG you can contribute to the thinking behind policies and policing practices and help build trust and confidence in the police.

Inspector Yakub Ismail said: "We are reaching out into our communities to find people who care about how policing is delivered and want to ensure their voices are heard. The IAG are a really important part of shaping the policing landscape and we would really like to hear from anyone who is interested in taking part."

Leicestershire Police will have 11 local IAGs who meet quarterly covering each of the Neighbourhood Policing Areas: 

• Charnwood       
• West Leicester  
• Northwest Leicestershire         
• Harborough and Wigston 
• Central Leicester   
• Hinckley       
• Melton                        
• South Leicester             
• East Leicester     
• Blaby         
• Rutland 

Applications can be found online, and you can apply anytime as the process will remain open to encourage new members.

If Rutland residents have any enquiries please contact the team via [email protected].