To consider a recently published independent review by the Police Foundation.
Minutes:
The Panel considered the content of an independent review by the Police Foundation on the Warwickshire and West Mercia Strategic Alliance. The Chairman advised the Panel that he had been interviewed for the report and stated that his comments had been primarily included in paragraph 51 of the final report, and in which he had expressed his desire to engage West Mercia and Warwickshire Commissioners, Chief Constables and Panel Chairmen. Whilst the report was an academic paper in most part, it was a useful record of the establishment of the Alliance to date and summarised the on-going issues.
The Commissioner stated that he had good working relationships with the Warwickshire Commissioner, who had stated that there would not be a merger of both Forces during his term of office. Much had been achieved by the Alliance, and whilst there were some issues in the report about leadership structures, the status quo would remain for the immediate future.
In discussion Panel members made the following points:
· When considering the policing plan for 2015/16, would any issues identified in the report be reflected in the updated plan? The Deputy Commissioner stated that he hoped that there would be a move towards the development of a single policing plan. The report was useful in outlining for the development of the Alliance. He stated that West Mercia's Commissioner was open minded to the potential of single leadership, not least as cost savings could be made whilst retaining the seven local policing areas.
· How could the Community Ambassadors' roles be improved and made more effective? The Commissioner stated that the Community Ambassadors were undertaking their roles well, was pleased with their activity and the way that they were getting to know their communities. The Commissioner stated that he was not able to recognise the comments expressed in the report about the Community Ambassadors. A meeting between the Commissioner and the Community Ambassadors was planned to be held soon. In response to a question, the Commissioner stated that whilst some the Community Ambassadors had met with their area's Community Safety Partnership, he would ensure that all ambassadors met their relevant CSPs. Whilst it was appreciated that information about the Community Ambassadors had already been circulated, the Commissioner was encouraged to frequently remind partners, such as local authorities and parish councils, who their Ambassador was and how to contact them.
· The Chairman stated that, at the appropriate time, he would extend an invitation to a community ambassador, the Chairman of the Trust, Integrity and Ethics Joint Committee and the Chairman of the Audit Committee to attend a future Panel meeting.
· A Panel member who was a former member of the Police Authority stated that both West Mercia and Warwickshire Police Authorities had worked closely and willingly together to establish the Alliance. There was a need to keep in mind the possible outcomes of the Parliamentary Elections in 2015 and its potential impact on a formal merger. The financial challenges for the Police, as for other public sector organisations, would deepen and it was imperative that a range of innovative solutions and options were considered in meeting these challenges.
· Responding to a question about the use of assets across West Mercia and Warwickshire, the Commissioner stated that the use of assets demonstrated the true spirit of the Alliance as resources were used in the areas where it was most needed. Credit was given to those who had the vision to create the Alliance and to those working constructively within it.
RESOLVED that the Panel notes the report of the independent review by the Police Foundation on the Warwickshire and West Mercia Strategic Alliance.