Agenda item

The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty presented the PCC’s Performance and Delivery Update Report which covered the period July to September 2024 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted highlights included as regards a reduction in the respond time for 999 calls; introduction of Salesforce and reduced delays within the BT system; an increase of 34 Officers within the quarter, above national targets; targeting of resources in hotspot areas; and seasonal campaigns targeting drink and drug driving, as well as other offenses such as use of mobile phones while driving.  She noted that while there was positive change in terms of introduction of ‘Right Care, Right Person’, the PCC still had concerns in relation to children missing from care homes.

Councillor L Hovvels noted Safer Streets Funding Round 5 would come to an end in March 2025 and asked what would replace that funding going forward.  She added another important area was having the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) bid into funding streams, an area she felt County Durham and Darlington often missed out on.  She added the VCS could also help in terms of future bids and may open up more funding opportunities.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted funding that had been made available to the VCS and noted some of the awards in relation to Safer Streets within County Durham and Darlington.  Councillor L Hovvels noted that County Durham and Darlington needed that additional funding, and there were many good VCS organisations working hard in our area to deliver services. 

The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted there may be opportunities via the North East Combined Authority (NECA), in relation to tackling issues such as gambling.  She referred to the work of Durham Community Action in terms of their Community Peer Mentoring.

Councillor D Nicholls welcomed additional call handlers and asked as regards Crimestoppers and an external project officer, who would have gone into schools, which had failed to materialise.  He noted the England and Wales figures of one in four women being the victim of domestic abuse within their lifetime.  He noted the positive work being done in terms of two temporary officer posts, adding that we could not afford to lose those posts and rather the positive work being undertaken should increase.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted that in relation to the first point, the ‘Fearless Worker’, the funding had not been available, noting bids via the OPCC and others.  She added she would speak with the Regional Crimestoppers Officer and provide and update accordingly.  In respect of the domestic Abuse Workers, the Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted that victims’ funding was reducing and difficult decisions would have to be made.  She noted that the prevention of violence against women and girls was a Government priority and was an area of work the PCC championed.

R Rodiss noted that going into schools to speak to children was good and important, however, there was a cohort of young people that did not attend school and asked how we could reach out to those groups of young people.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted those not in education could also often included vulnerable young people and therefore it was important for the Police and Local Authorities to work in this area.  She noted from the OPCC, the PCC commissioning in relation to work at Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), with those young people who were on the cusp of dropping out of school and noted the work in terms of preventative and diversionary services, as well as the new Government’s ‘Youth Hubs’.  She noted the PCC would continue to push for funding for County Durham and Darlington.

Councillor K Robson noted an increase in those parking on double yellow lines, especially near schools, and asked if there could be an opportunity to target those offenders, with the use of technology to make the process more ‘automatic’.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted the ‘Park Safe’ scheme, rolled out to ten schools within the County, with more schools being added soon.  She explained that parents and young people can upload photos straight to the Police, with those schemes in place working very well.  The Chair noted that within Durham City, Parking Wardens issued penalty charges in relation to those parked on double yellow lines.

Councillor D Nicholls noted the reference to the ‘Fearless Project and reminded the Panel that young people themselves can be victims of crime and noted that it was important to have those Officers in place to support young people.  The Chief of Staff, OPCC, A Petty noted Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC) Apprentices that worked in schools to help keep young people safe, and added there was the work of the Mini Police Scheme, as well as Police and Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in primary schools, all being well received by our schools and young people.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.