Agenda item

To receive a quarterly update from the Police and Crime Commissioner detailing delivery against his Police and Crime Plan.

Members received a verbal presentation from the Commissioner and Chief Executive, setting out an update on delivery against the Police and Crime Plan 2016-2021 (see item 10 in the minute book).

During the presentation Members heard:

·         Efforts were being made to improve visible policing, with the Estates programme focussing upon placing the right officers within the best possible locations. A number of Members remarked positively upon the engagement from the Commissioner’s team in relation to local policing premises.

·         The Commissioner was developing an Elders strategy, looking at how his team might enable the introduction of an Elder commission to hear the thoughts and concerns of older residents within communities, in a similar vein as the Commissioner’s established Youth Commission.

·         The Commissioner had launched his Safer pack which provides advice to help residents avoid fraud and scams. As well as an online version printed copies will be made available within GP surgeries and sheltered environment.

·         The Commissioner is aware of concerns raised by Members and others regarding the speed of reporting via Action Fraud. It is anticipated that the new Contact Management System, once launched, will improve the reporting of concerns relating to fraud.

·         The Commissioner attended a number of events over the summer months, allowing him to engage with a wide range of individuals from our communities. Engagement at each event varied but engagement from the rural community has been strong, a number of very key proactive conversations had been held during pride events and the Southampton Mela had provided a chance to engage with diverse and hard to reach communities.

·         The Commissioner had attended the Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) annual seminar and had met with three of the ICVs during the Southampton Court Open Day which had provided a good opportunity to discuss particular requirements and issues within the local area. The Commissioner was keen to reinforce the value of the volunteers and the work they do, and was aware of tensions regarding access and support of training. A new lead staff member, replacing the previous post holder, at the OPCC had recently joined the team to support the ICVs. 

Councillor Muschamp joined the meeting at this point.

In response to questions, the Panel heard:

·         A number of CSP’s felt there was a slight disconnect with the Commissioner’s priorities, with suggestion that the concerns and the priorities of the Police don't seem to feature heavily enough within the Plan.

·         County lines is significant concern and resource commitment both locally, regionally and nationally. 

·         Modern Slavery exists within the Hampshire Policing Area, however not always in the stereotypical forms the public might expect.  Although its not a not new crime, it’s a newly understood area, with knowledge and awareness growing at a rapid pace.

·         Blue Light Collaboration within Hampshire is not an issue of governance but a focus upon collaborative working and Hampshire is well regarded in its approach to this. The Commissioner meets regularly with the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Constable and leads from the Ambulance service to review progress.

RESOLVED:

That the update on the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan is noted.