Agenda item

The Panel was invited to consider the Police & Crime Plan Activity and Performance Monitoring Report (April 2017-June 2017), determine whether it would wish to carry out any further scrutiny or make any comments.

During the discussion, the following main points were made:

·       In considering the success of PACT meetings, the PCC advised that they varied considerably according to the area but what was important was what worked for a particular community.  He also thought that there  was always more that could be done to support the process

·       A concern was raised about the worsening performance trends eg confidence in the police was ranked 8 out of 8 (against the Most Similar Group (MSG)), increasing numbers of offence volume above average and an increase in the number of crimes.  The PCC was asked what actions he was taking to address this and reverse the trends. The PCC explained that this was an area of concern and that there are a number of factors to take into account eg some areas were better than others but even so, good practice needed to be replicated to ensure consistency across all areas.  The PCC was carrying out 'Holding to Account' sessions and this was one of the areas of focus. The Police Force were being asked to prepare action plans to address these types of issues and the PCC was confident that the Chief Constable understood the issue and was taking appropriate action

·       It was suggested that it would be helpful if the Performance Summary (without making the report burdensome) could capture some actions to demonstrate outcomes and improvements. The PCC agreed to give the request some thought

·       Paragraph 4.8 of Appendix 2 Delivery Plan Extract was referred to and an update on progress requested.  The PCC advised that the Strategy was now in place and there was a Police Force Lead Officer but that he would provide a more detailed response

·       The PCC was thanked for his support in respect of Community Speed Watch (Paragraph 2.5, page 33). It was suggested that in order to improve the effectiveness of the Scheme that signage should be put up when entering a village with a Community Speed Watch Scheme rather than at the start of where the speed was measured from, this it was suggested would encourage compliance with the speed limit rather than drivers merely slowing down at the point when speed was being measured and then increasing speed afterwards. The PCC was also asked if he could support the towns and villages by sending an advisory warning letter when a speed limit had been exceeded. The PCC agreed that this was something he would support and would look into

·       The general increase in crime figures was referred to and whether there was an underlying trend or a blip. The PCC advised that this was an increase in total recorded crime but that he was not able to advise whether it was an increase in actual crime, it was a complex area where recording of crime had significantly improved

·       It was suggested that the Police response to low level crime was worsening.  The PCC reassured the Panel that the service standards were exceeding targets although he was mindful that perception and managing expectations was a big issue.  The PCC recommended that Councillors should contact their local Sergeant initially to report problems in the first instance,  details of which were available on the website

·       Although the Panel understood that the format of report was a standard document, a request was made to include a Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating on the summary page.  The PCC agreed to look into this

·       Track My Crime had not yet implemented but was a priority.