Agenda item

5.1  Consideration was given to the report presented by Dr. Billings, Police and Crime Commissioner, which detailed the role and responsibilities of the Commissioner, a summary of his Police and Crime Plan, Putting Safety First, and information on the Performance Framework being used to measure performance against the Plan.

The report also set out the last position in relation to the legacy issues facing South Yorkshire Police.

5.2  In particular, Dr. Billings highlighted:-

-          Cultural change

       The Police Force needed to move to a better way of measuring what they did – outcomes rather than targets. It was a big change in the way of working and would take time

-          Challenges facing the Police

       As with the public sector, there were enormous challenges facing the Police Force and it was known that the period of austerity measures would continue.  The forthcoming emergency budget may have an impact on budgets

-          Hillsborough Inquests

       The Commissioner had a legal obligation to support both the current Chief Constable and 8 former and serving Police Officers who had been granted ‘interested person’ status and called to give evidence at the inquests.  Up to the end of the 2014/15 financial year, the costs were approximately £16M+.  A submission had been made to the Home Secretary for a special grant to cover the costs; £10.7M had been awarded leaving a gap to be funded by South Yorkshire Police.  Unless agreement was reached between South Yorkshire Police, the Home Office and the legal office, there would be more costs that would fall onto the Police Force

-          Orgreave

       The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) had declined to investigate the events at Orgreave but had implied that there should be an inquiry which the Government should fund.  If there was an inquiry, the costs must not fall onto South Yorkshire Police budget

-          Child Sexual Exploitation

       A number of Police Officers had been referred to the IPCC.  There were ongoing negotiations by the National Crime Agency and the IPCC.  The Commissioner had commissioned Professor John Drew to lead an independent review of South Yorkshire Police’s handling of reports of child sexual exploitation across all 4 districts.  He would be working across the region from September to the end of December, 2015

-          Engagement with the wider public/community

         The Commissioner attended numerous meetings with the Chief
Constable and Senior Command Team as well as with Police Officers and PCSOs.

       Communication with the public was via the media, website, letters etc. and attendance at meetings

5.3  Issues raised following the presentation included:-

·                Hillsborough – The costs also included the archives for the inquests.  The legal representation was for those most likely to be in jeopardy for the statement they had made at the inquests.  Negotiations were ongoing with regard to the costs

·                Referral of Police Officers to the IPCC – the Force picked up the costs if there was an investigation

·                Terms of Reference for the Independent Review by Professor Drew – there had been a press release containing a summary.  Once signed off, they would be published on the website

·                Vulnerability was a priority for the Force in its widest sense of the word and Police Officers asked to push the boundary of what they understood as “vulnerable” and its many definitions

·                The IPCC’s decision was awaited as to whether the referred Police Officers were to be investigated or not

·                Consideration was still being given as to how to consult with the public on the Performance Framework

5.4 Action:-  The OPCC report on the new Performance Framework, to the September Meeting

5.5 Action:-  That Panel members receive general training on performance management to enable them to gain an understanding and ability to comment on the Framework. Deborah Fellowes to liaise with OPCC to agree date and format