Agenda item

The Chairman explained to the Panel that the purpose of this item was to provide members of the Police and Crime Panel with an update on progress in delivering the Police and Crime Plan for West Mercia 1 April 2013 – 31 March 2017. This report covers the time period 1January – June 2016.

The Police and Crime Plan (the Plan) for West Mercia came into effect on the 1 April 2013 and sets out the aim and objectives of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for policing and community safety across West Mercia. The Plan also contains details of governance and accountability arrangements. The Plan was subject to variation in March 2014 and July 2015. This was the Plan of the previous Police and Crime Commissioner, following his election in May 2016 the new PCC must publish a police and crime plan for West Mercia within the financial year of his election. An assurance programme and performance dashboard will form part of a new approach to scrutiny and accountability in support of the plan and future performance reports will reflect this new approach.

As part of his approach to holding the Chief Constable to account the PCC has

introduced a monthly assurance meeting. The meeting focuses on performance against the police and crime plan, delivery of strategic initiatives and the HMIC inspection programme. The meeting is held in private, but notes of the meeting are published on the Commissioner’s website.

The PCC commended the performance report to the Panel. The Chairman invited questions from the Panel to the PCC, during discussions the following matters were raised:

·         It appeared that all forms of Crime, particularly Sexual Crimes and Rape, were increasing. The PCC explained his concern on the performance figures, outlining that these were from the previous PCCs tenure.

·         Clarification was provided on difference between 'current' and 'historic' crime in regards to sexual offences.

·         Evidential differences in regards to sexual offences was the reason for offences 28 days or older being classed as historic. Crime recording standards dictated what data could be captured in performance reporting.

·         There would be changes in how performance data was reported to the Panel under the new Police and Crime Plan which would hopefully assist the Panel fulfil its role.

·         The PCC would use the performance data to help inform his priorities going forward in the new Police and Crime Plan.

·         The PCC would be looking to hold the Chief Constable to account for Rural Crime as that would be a key priority. Urban Crime would also be a key priority and he would ensure that both Rural and Urban communities received a good service from the Police.

·         In regards to Child Sexual Exploitation and licensing matters improved cooperation from the Police was needed to help assist the Licensing function within Local Authorities with the transfer of information. The PCC stated he saw this as part of his responsibility and would seek to assist in collaboration and cooperation on such matters and that well licenced services helped keep people safe.

·         An important role for the PCCs ambassadors would be to explain how Policing is undertaken and seek to improve public confidence in the Police Service.

·         South Worcestershire as an area appeared to have higher crime rates than other areas of West Mercia.

·         How crimes are recorded were discussed, particularly in relation to robbery, cyber-crime and cyber-enabled crime. As a result West Mercia Police was developing an approach to protect the most vulnerable people who would be targeted by such crimes.

RESOLVED: that the Police and Crime Panel noted the performance update.