Agenda item

The Panel considered a report and presentation from the Police and Crime Commissioner which gave an overview of the work of the Victims’ Champions, presented by Michael Banks and Andrea Patterson, the Crime and Domestic Abuse Champions respectively (for copy see file of minutes).

The PCC reminded the Panel of the background in terms of the introduction of Victims’ Champions in Durham, following a letter in 2021 from the then Victims’ Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, to all newly elected PCCs encouraging them to consider appointing Victims’ Champions.  She added that it was seen that Victims’ Champions would sit outside the local police force and report directly to the PCC, with their role being threefold: to advise the PCC on victim related issues; to offer a victim perspective in respect of local policies and practices either within the police force or in respect of issues being considered by the Local Criminal Justice Board; and act as a point of contact for local victims and those providing support services.  The PCC noted the three Champions for Durham, with the areas of focus being: Anti-social Behaviour; Crime; and Domestic Abuse.

M Banks explained as regards the role of the Champions and explained that each had a delivery plan that underpinned the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.  He noted that the Champions were independent and reported directly to the PCC and worked with partners to ensure the voice of the victim was heard and that their lived experiences would inform planning, policies and the commissioning of services.  He explained that there were three principles to: raise awareness; respond locally, if possible and if not; reform, via lobbying for change.  He added that the emerging themes under crime had been: communication - explanation of investigative process and Criminal Justice Service; Consistency, empathy, reassurance and support; choice; re-listing = re-traumatising (court appearances); getting to and being at court; Victim Impact Assessments.

A Patterson noted that when the PCC had consulted on what areas residents were concerned with, the top priority had been anti-social behaviour.  She added that the emerging themes within anti-social behaviour had been: confidence to report incidents; knowing where to report incidents; communication and response times; explanation of investigative process and action; consistency, ongoing communication, empathy, reassurance and support; perception of lack of action by agencies; empathy with the Force over competing demands, lack of resource, ability to react; and victim impact from repeat incidents. 

She explained as regards the ongoing work alongside DBC, DCC and the Safe Durham Partnership (SDP) in terms of an Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy and explained that the eight principles used were: Working in Partnership; Champion the Victims’ Voice; Provide the Best Victim Experience; Provide Victim Centric Community Trigger & Community Remedy Processes; Implement Preventative Measures; Make full use of tools and powers; Maximise use of digital technologies; and an Inclusive Approach.

The Panel noted that the Champions’ Annual Report was being completed and would be available in due course.

The Chair thanked M Banks and A Patterson and asked how many days were spend in Darlington.  A Patterson noted she spend one day in Darlington working with Councillor M Renton as Portfolio Holder Stronger Communities.

The PCC highlighted that one of the issues referred to be the Victims’ Champions, in terms of court sessions being cancelled and victims having to reattend, was a national disgrace and was a good example of why Victims’ Champions were needed. 

Councillor D Boyes noted he took reassurance knowing that the Assistant Chief Constable and former Councillors were involved in looking at this issue.  He asked where the Victims’ Champions fit into the picture in terms of the OPCC and in working with Local Authorities and partners.  He also asked as regards court backlogs, noting an example of a victim having a 15 month wait for a date.

M Banks noted the backlogs within the court system, with the impact of COVID-19 still being addressed.  He understood that the length of time as described by Councillor D Boyes would prolong levels of anxiety for victims and agreed that the situation needed to change.  He reiterated that the view would always be that taken through the prism of the victims and noted that, through the support of the PCC, a number of services had been commissioned.  He noted the Victims and Prisoners Bill going through Parliament and added that should that come into effect there would be a cultural shift.  He reiterated that the PCC had a role in making sure the opportunities and challenges presented by the Bill were grasped and tackled.  A Patterson noted awareness of the issues raised and noted the work of the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy Group and gave an example in Darlington of working with housing providers.  She referred to the development of interactive reporting tools and work with the Local Authorities in this regards.

Councillor L McCollom left the meeting at 11.56am

Councillor D Nicholls asked as regards any assistance that was given to victims in terms of travelling to court.  M Banks noted that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offered support under certain criteria, however, in the main the support was from the community and voluntary sector.  He added that the Victims and Prisoners Bill be impact upon that, noting the PCC was lobbying nationally in this regard.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be noted.