Agenda item

The DPCC presented the Performance and Delivery Report for Quarter Oner, which covered the period April to June 2024 (for copy see file of minutes).

The DPCC highlight key areas of performance, noting call management, safer roads, education, enforcement, Special Constables, reductions in road traffic accidents, IT and the Home Office Trailblazer initiative in connections with anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Councillor L Hovvels noted the success of the CCTV installed at Darlington and the improvements to CCTV in Durham City, however, she noted those two areas did not represent the whole of the county.  She added that there were other major towns within County Durham and Darlington that could benefit from CCTV, adding she felt such investments would be worthwhile. 

The DPCC noted that the PCC was very keen to extend CCTV coverage where possible and therefore he would ask Members how that could be achieved, working with them as well as local Town and Parish Councils.  Councillor L Hovvels noted that she would be happy to engage with the PCC on CCTV in her area.  The DPCC noted that many residents now had CCTV installed at their properties, often via a video door bell.  Councillor L Hovvels noted that CCTV coverage could also help to decrease the ‘fear of crime’ in an area where it was installed.

The Chief of Staff, OPCC noted recent funding from round five of the Safer Streets Fund and explained there had been meetings with the County Durham Association of Local Councils (CDALC) in respect of Town and Parish Councils coming forward to work together in respect of CCTV.  She added there were issues to work through, such as data protection, however the PCC was happy to work with Local Councils and Local Councillors on the matter.  The DPCC noted that Local Neighbourhood Inspectors were up-to-speed in terms of Safer Streets Funding information in this regard.

Councillor D Boyes noted a perpetual bugbear in his area was young people in ski masks causing ASB on off-road bikes.  He added many of those involved gave the impression they felt they were untouchable.  He noted many were not wearing motorcycle helmets and there was an impression that Police Officers would not pursue them, in terms of rider and public safety in pursuing them at high speed.  He added that he felt there needed to be a clear message sent to those carrying out the ASB that there were not untouchable and would be dealt with appropriately.  He noted the recent PEEL Inspection had noted that in terms of the ‘responding to the public’ element the Force ‘required improvement’.  He noted this appeared to also be a national issue, and asked what genuine solution could help to improve the response to the public. 

The DPCC noted the issue of off-road bikes was one he was familiar with, having chaired the group looking at the matter while working at Darlington Borough Council.  He noted the group had identified 20-30 actions, falling into two main areas of education and targeted operations.  He explained there were actions under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 in terms of bike seizures, as well as the Police having off-road bikes themselves.  He noted the use of drones, as previously mentioned, as well as Forecourt Watch at local petrol stations, and use of CCTV.  He noted that he would look to arrange a presentation on the matter.  In reference to Inspections, he noted he and the PCC had spoken with the Deputy Chief Constable in terms of how the inspection regime had changed, noting that in terms of ‘responding to the public’, most Forces nationally had seen a reduced rating.  He added that it had been noted and would be an issue that the PCC would continue to monitor with the Chief Constable. 

He explained that there had been a recent presentation in terms of call handling, adding that there were a number of initiatives that were in place within Force communications that gave him confidence the issues raised by the Inspector would be addressed.

Councillor D Nicholls explained as regards a hard-hitting advertisement he recalled, with a crushed car and wording stating ‘better to be late than “dead” on time’.  He noted there seemed to be societal pressure in terms of not being late, to the point where many felt speeding to prevent being late was acceptable.  He noted the importance of road safety and the numbers in terms of speeding and people using their mobile phones whilst driving was very frightening.  He explained he was very pleased with the work described in relation to road safety, however, he felt there was a bigger national conversation that was needed on the matter.  He noted the impact of advertising campaigns in the past, such as in relation to the introduction of seatbelts in cars, with this now accepted as normal practice.  He added he felt there was a need for similar campaigning in terms of mobile phone use whilst driving.

Councillor D Nicholls noted the importance of understanding the lived experience from the perspective of someone impacted by crime, especially from the victims of crime.  He noted the importance of tackling the issue of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, and asked what work was ongoing in terms of more subtle manipulation of woman and girls, noting the issue of misogyny as a hate crime.  He noted that the two staff positions which helped in tackling violence against women were temporary positions, and asked if those posts could be made permanent, or whether there were funding issues preventing this.  He added that work to encourage reporting of such crimes was also an important element, giving victims the confidence to come forward and seek help.

The DPCC noted that road safety was a top priority for the PCC and that she was the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ (APCC) Joint Lead for Roads Policing.  He explained that she was making representations at the national level in terms of the issues, speeding, drink and drug driving and use of mobile phones whilst driving.  He added she was also in a unique position to be able to push ideas from Durham, and noted any suggestions would be welcomed.  He reiterated Safer Roads was a priority, as would be referenced in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan and reassured Members it was a key area of focus.  He highlighted the successes of schemes such as community speed watch, and noted the work of Neighbourhood Policing Teams working with the Local Authorities in terms of looking at what powers could be used to help tackle issues.  He agreed with Councillor D Nicholls that being able to gather as much information from people’s lived experiences was important in helping to understand issues better.

The DPCC explained that tackling violence against women and girls was also a priority for the PCC and noted funding from the Safer Streets Fund that had been used to help in terms of supporting conflict management, impacts from the nighttime economy, and in providing advice and guidance for women and girls.  He noted there was still a lot to do, including some physical measures such as increased CCTV investment and improved streetlighting.  He added that it was an area that the PCC and Chief Constable considered a priority, and they would work in partnership with other organisations, including Local Authorities, to put in place services to help support victims of crime.  He noted there was accountability in this area via the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Executive Group (DASVEG).  He added there were wider issues across the criminal justice system relating to violence against women and girls, and reiterated it remained a priority for the PCC.

The Chief of Staff, OPCC noted the two posts referred to by Councillor D Nicholls were temporary, however, there had been a case put forward to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) as regards the need for multi-year funding.  She added that Durham OPCC’s Victim Care and Advice Service had received the Victims Choice Quality Mark in recognition of its outstanding performance in meeting the needs of victims of crime across County Durham and Darlington.  The DPCC noted the positive difference that those posts had made and reiterated the challenges in terms of funding.

Councillor L Hovvels noted the comments from Councillor D Boyes in relation to ASB caused by off-road bikes.  She noted that the cost of the impact on the environment would often come back to the Local Authorities.  She noted she had used some of her neighbourhood funding to install physical barriers, which had been seen to help in those areas.  She reiterated the tearing up of community facilities, such as football fields, by off-road bikes was a terrible disruption to our communities and had a cost to those tasked with maintaining those facilities.  The DPCC noted those concerns were shared by the PCC and that there were actions being looked at.  He noted the work with Local Authorities, as well as work with the Insights Team in terms of what could be done differently.  He welcomed the feedback in terms of the physical barriers and noted the success of schemes such as ‘Back on Track’ which had helped in terms of education and behavioural change.

Councillor G Lee noted that off-road bikes could disappear from main routes very quickly, and reiterated the point made by Councillor D Boyes in terms of the public’s lack of confidence in terms of tackling ASB from off-road bikes.  He noted the success of the Darlington CCTV, operated by the Local Authority, and asked if similar categories could be used in terms of reporting performance so comparisons could be made.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC noted that different Local Authorities had different methods of recording.  The DPCC noted he would speak with the Local Authorities in terms of consistency.

Councillor G Lee noted the ‘Parksafe initiative’ adding he felt there should be some degree of common sense taken in terms of how to enforce, with some circumstances where parking on a footpath may be the only safe way to park.  The DPCC noted that it was being piloted in three areas near to schools, Red Rose Primary, Escomb Primary and Rydal Academy in terms of capturing images and enforcing parking.  He added that, subject to success in those areas, it was hoped that the initiative could be extended to other areas.  He noted the point as regards some older, narrow roads that had not been designed with modern levels of traffic and vehicles sizes in mind.  He noted that civic enforcement was an issue for Local Authorities, and that a balanced approach was needed in terms of looking at resolving issues, with Parksafe being a specific initiative looking at safety near schools.  Councillor G Lee noted concern as regards the level of resources at the Local Authorities in terms of enforcement actions.

Councillor K Robson explained there was also an issue with ASB and off-road bikes in his area, Newton Aycliffe, highlighting a recent double fatality.  He noted many people felt as if the Police were moving away from the town, adding he felt that it was time to place an emphasis on recruitment, to enable more Police to be visibly policing on the street so that people felt more confident to go out, especially on an evening.  The DPCC noted there was a commitment from the PCC and Chief Constable in terms of recruiting more Officers, and with improving resources for Neighbourhood Policing.  He added he would speak with the Neighbourhood Team in Newton Aycliffe as regards the points raised.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC noted Newton Aycliffe was a ASB Trailblazer area, with additional patrols and resources in place to allow for additional overtime and to work with partners.  Councillor K Robson noted the positive work of the Community Action Team (CAT) in the West Ward area of Newton Aycliffe.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.