Minutes:
Francis Habgood, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police (TVP), accompanied by Superintendent Gavin Wong, Local Area Commander (LAC) for Slough, Simon Bowden, outgoing LAC for Slough, made a presentation to the Committee outlining the strategy for Policing in Thames Valley 2016/17 and referring in particular to the Slough policing area. There was a clear focus on continuing to improve public confidence and working together to build stronger more resilient communities.
Findings of the annual overview of policing were highlighted, which showed that TVP had been given a good rating in the areas that had been inspected - effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.
The priorities for TVP 16/17 were outlined as:
· Developing operational capacity and capability in collaboration
· Working with partners to further develop response to mental health
· Protecting children from abuse and responding to serious sexual assaults
· Addressing 4 P’s for terrorism and serious organised crime
· Better use of technology and resources
· Developing the workforce
Details of crime reduction and outcome rates were illustrated and it was noted that whilst there had been an increase in violent crime and sexual offence statistics, this was as a result of greater reporting of these types of incidents.
Referring specifically to Slough, the following points were highlighted:
Children’s Services. This provision had now been formally taken over by the Slough Children’s Services Trust. Mr Habgood stressed the importance of ensuring that an effective information network, between the appropriate agencies, was established to deliver the best possible services.
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). A soft launch was held in July with the full launch currently scheduled for September 2016. It was noted that the MASH would initially incorporate children and provision of services for adults to be incorporated at later stage.
Mental Health Triage.TVP considering developing a triage pilot across East Berkshire, and Slough was one of three LPAs that would be affected. Although the support of the local Clinical Commissioning Groups, to joint fund the scheme had been secured, responses from the Local Authorities as to whether they would provide the additional costs involved was still outstanding.
Incidents of serious crime. There had beenseveral instances of youth violence over the year including a murder in Slough and a stabbing in South Bucks (Burnham) involving youths from Slough. Addressing youth violence was one of the priorities for TVP and there are a number of activities underway to focus on this including a youth violence and gang meeting.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). TVP hadjointly commissioned research with the Local Authority and Home Office to scope and assess the push/pull factors for the causes for people to become victims of CSE. This will have academic rigor and predicate further activity once that research is completed. Reference was made to the recent launch of Hotel Watch which would help to identify those using hotels to commit offences.
On completion of the presentation, Members raised several issues, including what resources were being invested to address the issues of youth crime in Slough. Members were informed that TVP were taking a pro-active approach in tackling youth crime, which included a Youth and Gang Violence Lead as part of the Neighbourhood Teams within the Borough. Working in partnership with Slough Children’s Services Trust was vital in providing young people with opportunities to move away from that area of work.
A Member queried what impact savings could potentially have on policing in the Slough area and specifically which areas were likely to be compromised. Mr Habgood stated that there had not been a reduction in the core amount of funds allocated to Slough over the past five years. Efficiency savings had been achieved via greater use of technology and working from home. It was noted that Slough was supported by specialist units such as Domestic Violence and Safeguarding with support from local officers as required.
A Member raised concern relating to the number of serious incidents that had taken place at Salt Hill Park and asked what measures TVP had taken to mitigate the issues. The Committee were informed that additional resources had been allocated for improvements to the area which included improved lighting and additional CCTV. Further details regarding planned improvements at the park and immediate vicinity would be reported to the Committee once finalised.
A Member commented on the increase in online fraudulent activity and what strategies TVP were engaging to combat these types of crimes. It was noted that education regarding safe use of the website and was key and TVP were working in partnership with Slough Borough Council in developing a CyberSafe strategy.
Responding to whether TVP had the resources required to adapt to the needs of the town with an increasing population, it was explained that an increase in population potentially meant an increase in resources for TVP. The future of Langley Police Station was raised and whilst it was recognised by TVP that there was a need for visibility and accessibility in that area, this did not necessitate a police station in the area. Drop in zones were being considered at a number of sites in Langley including the fire station.
Following discussion regarding the lack of night time economy in Slough, Superintendent Wong stated that provided businesses took their responsibilities as premise licence owners seriously, TVP would work in partnership with local businesses to support the night time economy in the town.
Resolved:
(a) That the Committee thank Mr Habgood, Chief Constable TVP, Superintendent Gavin Wong, LAC for Slough and Simon Bowden, outgoing LAC for Slough for their attendance, presentation and responding to Members’ questions.
(b) That details of the presentation be noted and the Committee be provided with an update regarding improvements implemented at Salt Hill Park.