Around 50 students from West Suffolk College have taken part in a scrutiny session to examine how police powers are used across the county.
The event, organised by the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality's (ISCRE) Suffolk Police Powers Public Scrutiny Group (SPPPS), provided an opportunity for attendees to question and challenge the use of force, stop and search and taser by officers.
It was attended by students studying Public Services at the college's Bury St Edmunds campus, who engaged in discussions about accountability and community confidence in policing.
The event was opened by the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner - Tim Passmore.
He said: "I was delighted with the level of engagement and interest we received from the students.
"There were some very informed questions which challenged and helped justify the use of these very important policing powers.
“I hope the students found the session interesting and learned more about the approaches used by officers every day.
"It is so important we continually learn and listen to views through forums such as this."
“A key concern is in my view we do not engage nearly enough with the younger generation as their views matter and must be catered for.
“This opportunity organised by our friends in ISCRE was so worthwhile.”
Superintendent Chris Hinitt, Suffolk Constabulary’s lead for police powers, said: “Public scrutiny is really important to the constabulary.
“It allows members of the public to give us constructive and useful feedback about how we use our powers of stop search and use of force, and helps us to understand where we are getting it right and where we need to develop and improve.
“This session involved students from the college, and the constabulary delivered a ‘know your rights’ session which enabled them to understand how and why we use stop search and hear their views.
“Events like this help us strengthen our engagement and accountability."
Phanuel Mutumburi, Director of the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality, said: "I would like to thank the students for their participation and West Suffolk College for hosting our event.
"The students provided many valuable insights which officers were able to hear first-hand.”
SPPPS brings together community representatives and policing partners to review the use of police powers and ensure they are applied fairly across the county.
Phanuel added: "I am proud of the work of our group which not only provides independent scrutiny but also helps celebrate the positive work of the police.
"Oversight of police powers is crucial for upholding a fair and just society."