Agenda item

Presentation by the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner

Minutes:

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Mr Anthony Stansfeld was welcomed to the meeting. Also in attendance were Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, Mr Frances Habgood and Deputy Commander, Mr Mark Spencer.

 

Mr Stansfeld informed Members that recorded crime had increased by 7.2% within the Thames Valley area, compared to a national increase of 11%. The increase was largely attributed to improvements in compliance with National Crime Recording Standards, following recommendations made by HMIC in 2014. Victim satisfaction remained high at 88% compared with the national average of 84%. It was highlighted that the recent assessment of Thames Valley Police force had rated the service as outstanding across all areas of policing – effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy. 

 

Details of the Adult and Youth Surveys were outlined, the findings of which would inform the PCC’s strategic priorities for 2017-2021. It was noted that there had been a 28% reduction in the PCC’s budget, which equated to a loss of £100 million in real terms.

 

The Chief Constable outlined details of the current policing issues in Slough. Although there had been a reduction in the number of residential burglaries, concerns regarding an increase in young people linked to gang related violence and carrying knives was raised. A number of initiatives had been implemented to address this issue, including the establishment of an multi agency problem solving Organised Crime Group. Working together to build stronger, more resilient communities was key to ensuring early intervention partnership working.

 

The operational priorities for 2017/18 were highlighted as reducing crimes of most concern – burglaries, violence, serious and organised crime; protecting vulnerable people – domestic abuse, hate crime, child sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation; bringing offenders to justice and a reduction in repeat demand.

 

Committee Members raised the following issues in the ensuing discussion:

 

·  What the Council could do to assist the police force. It was noted that a strong partnership existed between the Council and TVP and the Slough Safer partnership was an excellent forum in development and implementation of initiatives. However, Councillors had a significant role to play regarding engagement with their respective communities. It was noted that individuals from an ethnic minority group were under represented on TVP work force and Members could encourage individuals to volunteer or join the police force.  

·  Measures taken to address anti-social behaviour.  Members were informed that in known areas of anti social behaviour, Neighbourhood Area teams carried out a more proactive role in dispersing congregating groups of individuals. It was noted that the PCC had allocated funds to the Community Safety Partnership specifically to target issues relating to youth crime. The Committee acknowledged that in order to successfully address anti social behaviour the causes of why this type of behaviour was occurring needed to be identified. The Community Safety Partnership Manager, Garry Tallett informed Members that a Multi Agency Strategy was being developed to identify the possible causes. 

·  Concerns relating to online bullying. The importance of engaging young children in a discussion regarding the importance of staying safe online was recognised and steps were being implemented to engage schools in this discussion offering advice and security tips. It was noted that a pilot Healthy Relationships Programme was currently available for pupils in the last two years at primary and first two years at secondary school, which would be offered to all schools in Slough. 

·  Closure of police stations and potential impact in Slough.  The Chief Constable stated that despite financial pressures there had been an increase in the number of officers working in the Slough area. Although a number of Neighbourhood Police Offices had closed, this was due to developments in technology which meant that Officers were provided with hand held devices.

 

Councillor Arvind Dhaliwal, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Consumer Protection, addressed the Committee, informing Members that he held regular meetings with both the PCC and TVP where local issues had been raised. It was noted that the Slough Safety Partnership Board also met on a quarterly basis and was currently focussing on cyber crime and identity fraud.

 

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked Mr Stansfeld and Mr Habgood for their presentations and attending the meeting.

 

Resolved – That details of the presentation be noted.