Thames Valley Police (TVP) is recruiting members of the public to scrutinise "use of force" footage to help keep the force accountable.

The force said the scrutiny panels are an "important tool" for ensuring that it is held accountable for its use of policing powers and encounters.

Scrutiny panels engage members of the community to scrutinise use of policing powers and encounters by TVP officers in order to facilitate continuous learning, improvement of police services and identification of good practice. 

READ MORE: Families desperate plea to find stolen caravan from Thame

Volunteers at the panels will review body-worn footage taken by police officers, allowing members of the panel to review individual police interactions with the public.

The force said that feedback not only allows officers to understand areas where they could improve, but also provides them with an understanding of what the community thinks they do well, which helps build confidence of officers when utilising police powers.

Where the use of force may not have been reasonable and proportionate, this will be investigated by the force's Professional Standards Department.

READ MORE: Banbury Road roundabout: Extra £1.3m requested for project

Thames Valley Police said where gross misconduct is identified, misconduct hearings will be held, and it has dismissed officers who have not acted proportionately.

According to the force, use of body worn video cameras helps reassure the public that their interactions with the police are recorded, offering "greater transparency" for those in front of the camera as well as those behind it.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: "We are looking to appoint Community Scrutiny Panel members to support the vital work of reviewing our use of powers and would encourage people to find out more about the role and how they can make a difference via our careers website."