Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Police and Crime Commissioner which presented the draft Police and Crime Plan 2021-2022, reflecting the results of the consultation process (for copy see file of Minutes).

In presenting the report the PCC advised that the revised Plan was for review and comment by the Panel before the final version was issued. The PCC thanked the Panel and the respondents to the consultation for their contributions, and the Team for their work to complete the Plan.

Over 700 responses had been received to the consultation, and the PCC suggested bringing the key issues and comments to the Panel for information.

Councillor Boyes was encouraged by the response to the consultation, and asked what weight would be given to the comments received and how the issues raised would be prioritised. The PCC in highlighting some of the key issues which were reflected in the Plan following the consultation, informed the Panel that anti-social behaviour continued to be the top priority for the public. Drug use/dealing and fly-tipping were other key areas of concern, together with speeding, off-road bikes and vandalism, and these were also reflected in the Plan. Whilst these were the areas of concern identified by the majority of respondents, she was mindful of other areas of high harm such as domestic violence, hate crime and burglaries. She would continue to review the priorities throughout her term of office to ensure they remained relevant.

Following a question from Councillor Potts, the PCC stated that new strategic measures were being developed for future performance management reporting. Anti-social behaviour was widely under-reported and one of the key priorities to address this was to improve the 101 system, or as an alternative to encourage reporting to Crimestoppers.

Mr Dodwell asked if the Government’s recent announcement to tackle crimes against women would impact upon the Plan. The PCC confirmed that crimes against women and girls was identified as a key deliverable within the Plan, and the Force was already engaging with partners who were all committed to addressing this as a priority. The County was also part of a pilot which supported victims at all stages from reporting a crime to receiving justice.

Councillor Nicholls welcomed the Plan, and reinforced the importance of tackling crimes against women and girls.  He also welcomed the proposal to develop a strategy to change attitudes and improve knowledge of and response to crimes against women. Councillor Nicholls referred to the 101 chat function and was pleased that this provided an immediate response to those reporting a crime.

The PCC confirmed that every aspect of the 101 system was being examined, and the chat function was part of this review. In reply to a question from Councillor Liz Brown, the PCC confirmed that the chat function was not yet available 24/7, but this was under review.

A recruitment process was underway to appoint a Victims Champion, Anti-Social Behaviour Champion, Domestic Violence Champion and Survivor Champion. The Champions could be asked to attend the next meeting of the Panel to give an overview of their roles.

Resolved:

That the content of the Plan be noted and agreed.