MEMBERS of the public are being invited to spend time with the police when officers are on patrol.

Dorset Police is opening up the Lay Observer Scheme to members of the public so that they can see what a day in the life of an officer on the beat is like.

The scheme has traditionally been used by people who already work closely with the police in their line of work or people who would like a greater understanding of policing before they pursue a career in the service. However, Dorset Police are now extending it more widely to other members of the public.

A spokesman for the force said: “Dorset Police is welcoming more people to take part in the scheme.

“It is important for the police to understand the communities that they are serving and also for local people to see the kind of incidents police are called to as part of their day-to-day duties.

The spokesman added: “If you are 18 years old or over and have ever wondered what a day in the life of a patrol officer is like, this is your opportunity to experience the problem solving and relationship building work which officers conduct on a daily basis, as well as witnessing response to calls, encounters with the public, and any arrests that are made.

“We cannot guarantee what kinds of incidents officers with observers will attend, but you may encounter officers dealing with shop theft, victims and offenders of burglary, vehicle crime, drug warrants and people being stopped and searched.”

One of the areas that will be shown to the public is the stop and search procedure which officers have to abide by.

The procedure may not occur on every occasion when an observer is present, but where it does, it is carried out only in specific circumstances.

In April 2015, Dorset Police signed up to the Home Office's Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.

Officers have various ways in which they conduct these kind of activities, which are known as 'street encounters'. Police officers may Stop and Search someone if they have reasonable grounds to believe they may be able to assist with a police matter. If an individual does not cooperate, they may be arrested.

The police are also asking people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, as these groups are involved in a proportionately high number of encounters, yet often don't take part in the observer scheme.

For more information contact Dorset Police on 101