Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which contained the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s Annual Report 2013-14 (for copy see file of Minutes).

Prior to presenting the Annual Report Mr R Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), informed the Panel of an overnight incident which had been referred to the IPCC.

The PCC, in presenting his Annual Report, informed the Panel that he had worked to produce the report in a visual and shortened format.  The PCC highlighted the following areas of the Annual Report to the Panel:

·       Performance of the force during 2013-14

·       Progress towards the achievement of the PCC’s priorities as follows:

·       To reduce the impact of domestic abuse, particularly violence against women and girls

·       To reduce the impact of hate crime

·       To improve engagement with the local communities across the constabulary area

·       To tackle anti-social behaviour

·       To tackle harm caused to individuals and communities by alcohol and drugs

·       To improve road safety

·       To make policing services visible and accessible at all times.

·       Finance and resources

Councillor Boyes praised the priorities of improving engagement in communities and also making policing services visible and asked what role the Panel had played in influencing these policies.  The PCC replied that his priorities were set following community consultation and it was not the role of the Panel to influence such priorities.  However, the views of the Panel were considered, along with all other feedback received, when the PCC set priorities for the forthcoming year.  Councillor Boyes then referred tot he lack of any reference in the Annual Report to organised crime.  The PCC replied that the Plan would be amended to make reference to this.  Councillor Hovvels suggested that it may be useful to explain the scrutiny role of the Panel in the Annual Report.  The PCC replied that it had not been an omission to not mention the Panel in his Annual Report, but this was the Commissioner’s report, and the Commissioner then reported to the Panel.

Councillor Stoker referred to a recent University meeting, formerly a University Liaison Group, at which tensions between Durham City residents and students weighed heavily on the agenda.  He asked whether it would be appropriate for the PCC to chair such bodies in a mediator role in other parts of the County.  The PCC replied that he had roles around community safety and the health of communities and added that he would discuss the matter with Councillor Stoker following the meeting.

Councillor Brookes referred to page 11 of the Annual report and the reference to cyclists using footpaths.  He suggested that should be balanced by reference being made to intimidation experienced by cyclists from motorists,  The PCC agreed that this could be amended to reflect the point made.

Councillor Hovvels referred to alcohol licensing and outlets for alcohol.  A change was needed at national level to grant local authorities and the police greater powers to combat anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol consumption.  The PCC replied that local authorities and the police had no powers to refuse alcohol licences unless there was a likelihood of disorder being caused.  The forces Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit took a proactive role in addressing alcohol-related problems and the APCC were pushing for changes to the powers of local authorities and the police to deal with such issues.