Agenda item

The minutes of the meeting held 3 February 2022 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Members of the Panel noted their thanks to former Independent Panel Member, Mr D Dodwell for his service and wished him well for the future.

The Lawyer (Governance) noted a matter arising relating to a question raised at the previous meeting relating to off-road bikes.

The Chief Finance Officer noted for the 12 month period 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2022 there had been 1,742 incidents recorded relating to off-road bikes, noting that amounted to around 100-200 a month, demonstrating the scale of the issue.

He noted that he did not have the cost details of each job and added that some may have only had Police in attendance for a few minutes, while other incidents may have been investigated further.

Councillor D Nicholls noted he had raised the issue of the 101 chat function previously.  He added he had recent experience of using the ‘live chat‘ function and he had been able to chat with an operator within a minute, with Officers driving into the local area within three minutes.  He added he felt that it was fantastic to be able to have such a direct line and noted he felt it was a very useful tool, having the benefit of being able to speak to several people at once.  He asked as regards the service only being available between 9am and 5pm, adding he felt it was essential for situations that could occurs 24 hours a day, such as domestic violence.  The Chief Finance Officer noted he would look at how the service could expand, explaining that Town Centre clerks operated up until 8pm and could increase bandwidth, adding there were 8 to 12 call handlers.  Councillor D Nicholls noted it was a service that should have greater awareness with the public.

In response to a question from Councillor D Boyes relating to the numbers of warnings given and bikes seized, the Chief Finance Officer noted as regards Section 59 Notices and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) noted as regards a pilot which had looked at the locations and number of calls.  She added that it was important that residents helped, including calls to the 101 number, and noted that data helped drive the work and with problem solving and decision making.  The Chair noted a previous visit to the Control Room which had proven to very enlightening, adding the Chief Constable had offered as regards further visits.  The PCC noted the Head of Private Office had organised the development session for the Panel including a visit, she noted a date would be confirmed.  Councillor D Boyes noted a previous visit by the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee adding it had been very useful and he welcomed any visit.