Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner which provided an update on the progress of the Checkpoint project (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor Allen informed the Panel that this was a new and innovative scheme and requested that further updates be brought to the Panel.  She was pleased that the scheme was to undergo independent evaluation by Cambridge University and asked who completed the Crime Pic questionnaire.  The Chief of Staff replied that this was a questionnaire to the offender.

Councillor Jones informed the Panel he was disappointed that assault on police officers was considered a low level crime to be included in Checkpoint.  The PCC replied that this would depend upon the level of assault with Ch Supt Weir adding that research had shown the average fine imposed for assaulting a police officer was £15.

Councillor Forster informed the Panel that she was pleased with the scheme as there was often a reason or reasons for people’s actions.  Councillor Hopgood informed the Panel it was essential to ensure that the scheme was publicised in the correct manner to ensure the public did not see it as being an easy option.

Councillor Dixon welcomed the approach of Checkpoint and asked how easy it had been to find the appropriate service for the offender, for example for drugs and alcohol.  The Chief of Staff replied that there was a comprehensive directory of service providers to be used by the Navigators and that the Navigators would feed back to the Checkpoint Governance Board if they experienced any problems finding a service provider.  He was not aware of such feedback.

Mr Dodwell suggested that the rationale behind Checkpoint be explained at PACT meetings which may prevent the possibility of the programme being seen as an easy option.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.