Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Office of the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner which outlined the findings of the recent inspections conducted by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) upon which Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioners are required to comment (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Accountability and Scrutiny Officer informed the Panel that the results of the COVID-19 inspection were yet to be published, however, initial feedback in relation to Durham Constabulary’s response had resulted in some very positive comments. 

The Accountability and Scrutiny Officer referred to the inspection published in February on the disproportionate use of police powers, the main finding of which was that police forces are unable to explain why these powers are used disproportionately, based on ethnicity.  As a result, HMICFRS had called upon police forces to either explain the reasons for disproportionality in stop and search and use of force, or, to take action to address it. The context for Durham is that there are many strands of work that need to address the issue of use of force in stop and search, to ensure that outcomes from external scrutiny are followed up.  Work will continue to address the concerns highlighted by the inspection. 

The Acting PCVC commented that the most recent HMICFRS statement in relation to the fire service contains information to suggest that the government may soon announce a change of governance of Fire and Rescue Services and Fire Authorities which will also impact on Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioners in England and Wales.

Resolved:

i.         That the report be noted

ii.        That all HMICFRS inspections were postponed due to the initial COVID-19 emergency but resumed in October 2020 be noted