To consider an verbal update from the Commissioner.
Minutes:
The Commissioner provided a verbal update on activity and performance relating to the West Mercia Police and Crime Plan.
The following points were highlighted in the Commissioner's update:
• the Commissioner was confident that work on the alliance would continue to deliver the savings required whilst also ensuring efficiencies within the service.
• the Panel would receive a more detailed report on the work of the alliance at a future Panel meeting.
• investing in the use of technology (spend to save) would underpin the efficient use of vehicles within the Force
• 60% of offenders were 'persistent'. There was a need to focus on prevention of crime and on the rehabilitation of offenders. The Commissioner would work closely with the Warwickshire and West Mercia Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) e.g around training initiatives
• A grant of £1m would be provided to support victims
• A 'Showcase' was being planned for 2015 to be held in Shropshire which would bring together elements relating to policing, victim support, community projects, sporting events.
In discussion the following points were made and responded to:
• Responding to a question relating to the effectiveness of partnership working to deliver positive rehabilitation and training outcomes, the Commissioner stated that he was confident in the approach being taken and would work closely with the new CRC. He additionally stated that the support of local communities was important to ensure integration of rehabilitated offenders
• What was the Commissioner doing with regard to the radicalisation agenda? In response it was stated that the Commissioner's office was working closely with the Community Safety Partnerships in addressing radicalisation. The Force was not complacent and it was imperative that the issue was tackled at source (at street level), though it was acknowledged that there was more to be done in this area. Close working with partners was being done to prevent radicalisation within West Mercia communities. Other areas that the Force was striving to better understand and tackle included cybercrime, historic sexual offences, modern slavery
• Responding to a question relating to the use and cost of vehicles (mileage, travel time of officers etc) and the relocation of officers, the Commissioner stated that he would highlight this operational issue with the Chief Constable
• Responding to a question about the effectiveness of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in Hereford, the Commissioner advised the Panel that the MASH was working well and that the agencies involved were delivering positive outcomes. It was intended to roll-out the MASHs within the West Mercia area
• The Commissioner confirmed that there was nothing unexpected in the recently announced Autumn Statement relating to the Police Service
• Responding to a question relating to the Police Federation, the Panel was advised that the Chief Constable had met with representatives from the Federation. An update on the situation was requested to be provided to the Panel in due course.
RESOLVED that the Panel notes the Commissioner's update on the West Mercia Police and Crime Plan Activity and Performance.