Agenda item

The Panel considered a report of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services on the Durham Police and Crime Panel Annual Report 2023-24 and sought agreement to the Panel’s Work Programme for 2024-25, presented by the Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Stephen Gwillym (for copy see file of minutes).

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted that Appendix 2 set out the Annual Report, in line with Home Office guidelines, setting out the role of the PCC, PCP, membership of the Panel, and including the activity of the Panel across the meetings held.  He added reference was also made to informal development sessions, training and engagement activity.  He noted that the PCP set its own Work Programme and reminded the Panel of the links to the PCC Annual Report and Police and Crime Plan, along with standard items considered at each meeting such as performance and complaints.  The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that the Council’s Internal Audit Section had confirmed that the expenditure incurred by the Panel had been in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Home Office grant.

Members noted that Appendix 3 to the Annual Report gave further details in respect of future meetings of the Panel, with the Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer noting that the issues raised earlier in the meeting today in respect of domestic violence, rural crime and the use of drones in the detection of crime and collection of evidence could be added as required. It was also suggested that the work programme be included as a standing item at each panel meeting.

Councillor D Nicholls asked as regards any site visits scheduled for the Panel, noting a previous visit to the Darlington CCTV Control Room which had been very useful, adding that a visit to the new Custody Suite would be beneficial.  Councillor R Potts noted that the Independent Group had visited the suite in March 2024, and therefore asked that the Panel visit the site.  The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted we would liaise with the OPCC as regards a site visit to the Custody Suite.  Assistant Chief Constable, Richie Allen noted that the Constabulary would soon have the keys to the new facility and a visit could be arranged.

Resolved:

(a)   That the Durham Police and Crime Panel Annual Report be endorsed.

(b)   That the Work Programme for 2023/24 be agreed, with the inclusion of those additional items referenced above and a visit to the Investigative Hub.