Minutes:
The Panel received an update from the Chief Finance Officer on the HMIC first Annual Assessment of Policing in England and Wales 2014 (PEEL) assessment in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy
The Chief Finance Officer informed the Panel that Durham Constabulary had been graded as the top performing police force in the country at tackling crime. The evidence from inspections, together with the context within which force operated, allowed HMIC to make an assessment of each of the 43 police forces in England and Wales.
In the effectiveness strand of the assessment, Durham was the only force in the country judged to be outstanding at investigating offending. The force was also rated as outstanding at tackling anti-social behaviour and good at reducing crime and preventing offending and received a good efficiency rating.
The report stated that the Constabulary was effective at preventing and investigating crime and provided appropriate support to victims, delivered positive outcomes for victims and engaged effectively with its communities.
The Chief Finance Officer informed the Panel that requests had been received from two other forces to undertake a peer review. He added that a challenge for the force was how to balance current demand with future demand, as well as meet historic demand, for example, from Operation Seabrook.
Councillor Boyes informed the Panel that the report was a fantastic result for the force and urged Panel Members to ensure it was widely publicised, for example, into Parish Newsletters.
Councillor Jones referred to Operation Seabrook and asked whether any funding would be provided from government to offset the costs of the investigation. The Chief Finance Officer replied that the Prime Minister, during Prime Minister Questions, had said that funding would be provided, but certain criteria would need to be met and there would be a cost ceiling. The costs of the Operation were being closely monitored.
Councillor Armstrong asked whether any income could be generated by the force undertaking the two peer reviews mentioned. The Chief Finance Officer replied that the possibility of this was being investigated,
Mr Cooke informed the Panel that with the role of police officers changing, and in light of funding cuts, this was a commendable Inspection report. He asked what impact on morale future cuts may have and also the impact of longer serving officers, together with their knowledge and experience, leaving the force. The PCC replied that the Inspection report was silent around the issue of funding cuts. The force had employed former police officers on the Operation Seabrook investigation and was to recruit 16 new police officers over the next two years. Collaboration with other forces and blue light services would continue to make efficiency savings.
Resolved:
That the update be noted.