Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Chief of Staff which provided an update on the Checkpoint programme and how it had developed during the past year (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor Boyes informed the meeting that, while was pleased that the Checkpoint programme prevented criminal records for minor offences, he was concerned that the list of offences eligible for Checkpoint included assault on a police officer.  Councillor Boyes also expressed concern regarding a recent press article which reported that a large scale cannabis farm had been considered appropriate for the this programme and asked how this would restore community faith on the Criminal Justice system.

The PCVC replied that the assault against the police which would be eligible for the Checkpoint programme was low-level Section 50 offences.  Section 18 and Section 47 assault was a higher offence and would not be eligible for Checkpoint.  He added that he was supporting a Bill currently going through Parliament to protect emergency service workers.

Referring to the press article, the PCVC informed the Panel it had given the impression that in Durham the Checkpoint programme would be used in the case of a large scale cannabis farm.  The farm referred to in the article was, in fact, in Cornwall.  Large scale growth of cannabis in Durham would be prosecuted unless certain criteria were met, and Durham did not give cautions for large scale growth.

Councillor Regan asked what victims’ views of Checkpoint were.  The PCVC replied that victims were incorporated into the Checkpoint programme at an early stage and from feedback received, victim satisfaction levels were very high.

Resolved:

That the update on the Checkpoint programme be noted.