Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Head of Policy and Communications, Office of the PCVC which provided an update of press coverage concerning the work of the PCVC since the previous meeting (for copy see file of Minutes).

Press coverage since the previous meeting had included articles on Durham Constabulary being rated ‘outstanding’ in HMICFRS inspection for the fourth year in a row, the appointment of new Chief Constable and retirement of her predecessor, welcoming the re-unification of probation services, the introduction of Naloxone into Police Custody suites, problem parking outside schools, and the continuing stories of the Hate Hurts campaign, knife crime and drug policy reform.  A recent article in the Daily Telegraph about diversionary schemes had referred to the Checkpoint Scheme which operated within the Durham force.

The Head of Policy and Communications referred to problem parking outside of schools and informed the Panel that an action day regarding safe parking was planned for 1 October 2019.  In response to a question from Mr Dodwell, the Head of Policy and Communications confirmed that PACT meetings would be made aware of the day of action.

Councillor Boyes referred to the use of Naloxone in Police Custody suites and asked where detainees would access this from, the cost of the provision and how widely Naloxone was used in Custody suites.  Councillor Hovvels informed the Panel that a briefing paper on the use of Naloxone would be circulated to Members.

Resolved:

(i)           That the report be noted

(ii)          That the safe parking day of action on 1 October 2019 be brought to the attention of PACT meetings

(iii)         That a briefing paper on the use of Naloxone in Custody suites be circulated to Members.