Agenda item

Consideration was given to a new draft of the Police and Crime Plan for the period from 2017-2021, which was presented by the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

It was reported that the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 made provision for the Commissioner to issue a new plan as soon as possible after elections, in consultation with the Chief Constable and any recommendations from the Police and Crime Panel, to respond to issues and priorities which could emerge during the life of the Plan.

The Commissioner reported that he had listened to the views of a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups, local authorities and the voluntary sector and had identified that all had shared a similar view around wishing to be safe and feel safe. There had been a consensus to retain the existing priorities for South Yorkshire:

·         Protecting vulnerable people

·         Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

·         Enabling fair treatment

The Commissioner indicated that there had been a recognition of the need to change emphasis in some of the outcomes in order to reflect new and evolving policing and crime demands, identified through consultation with the public and partners, as well as results from needs and threats assessments.

It was reported that the Commissioner had included seven requirements in the plan:

·         For South Yorkshire Police to intervene earlier with vulnerable people to prevent them becoming repeat victims or victims of more harmful crime.

·         For South Yorkshire Police to work alongside partners, other agencies and the community and voluntary sector to develop a plan showing how they will prevent and protect vulnerable people from further, more harmful crimes

·         For the public of South Yorkshire to be satisfied that their views and opinions on the policing of their local area have been listened to and considered by South Yorkshire Police and they understand the reasoning behind local policing decisions that are made in their community

·         For the public of South Yorkshire to have trust and confidence in the way they contact South Yorkshire Police and when they make contact to be satisfied that they will be listened to, taken seriously and kept informed throughout any investigation, including being told about the result of any action taken.

·         For South Yorkshire Police to demonstrate how they will respond to regional and national policing requirements detailed by the Home Secretary in the Strategic Policing Requirement

·         For South Yorkshire Police to demonstrate effective prevention and action to tackle those areas of crime and anti-social behaviour listed in the Strategic Intelligence Assessment (SIA) that have been assessed as Very High Risk

·         To secure an efficient and effective use of resources on behalf of the public of South Yorkshire, ensuring value for money of policing services.

In presenting the Plan for comments by the Panel, the Commissioner reiterated his ambition to remove the silo working approach within South Yorkshire Police and establish a joined up approach to delivering of policing in the force area.

The Panel welcomed the overall presentation of the Plan and were particularly pleased with the style of language used, remarking on the presence of Plain English throughout the document. The priorities and requirements of the Commissioner were also endorsed by Panel Members and the view was expressed that it would be beneficial for the Panel to develop its understanding of the measures of success against the Commissioner’s requirements, with a specific focus on how satisfaction and confidence will be measured.

In respect of the requirement to work alongside partners, the Panel referred to the potential for a more centralised approach in the delivery of local policing and the need to communicate and engage with local communities in the introduction of the new neighbourhood policing model. The Commissioner indicated that this was an area that could be looked at further and the language on page 23 of the Plan could be clarified. He reiterated that South Yorkshire Police was redesigning its approach to Neighbourhood Policing, which must involve and engage communities. The Commissioner added that he would urge councillors across the force area to become involved in the conversations developing the approach. It was suggested that the Commissioner could give more thought to how ward councillors across the Force Area could be used an interface for engaging with local communities, for example, through surgeries or other local community events.

A specific query was raised by Councillor B. Cutts in respect of a meeting that had taken place in Rotherham earlier that morning concerning a forthcoming march by the English Defence League (EDL). Councillor Cutts expressed disappointment at the misinformation that had been provided by the Police, despite being pleased at the attempt at engagement between the Police and the Council.  In response, the Commissioner indicated that he found it hard to believe that South Yorkshire Police had not communicated with Rotherham MBC, but reiterated that the main point was that, in advance of any protest march, it was important for the police to have a prior dialogue with the community and the local authority.

The Panel indicated that it would like to understand how the plan would translate into action and welcomed the Commissioner’s suggestion to receive a paper on the thread between the Police and Crime Plan and the Force’s operational plans.

With regard to organisations funded by the Commissioner, the Panel indicated that it would be of interest to understand which organisations had not been successful in their bids or requests for funding. Whilst recognising that this would not be appropriate for inclusion within the Police and Crime Plan, it was felt that it would be useful information for Panel Members to have sight of.

With reference to the opening of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Panel Members commented that would be helpful to signpost readers to further information on this important resource

On page 13 of the plan, the Panel indicated that it would support the inclusion of the words “hate crime” under the heading “Protecting Vulnerable People”. Panel Members also noted the absence of narrative to support the requirement in respect of demonstrating effective prevention and action to tackle areas of crime listed in the Strategic Intelligence Assessment

Panel Members also asserted their support for the Commissioner’s intentions with regard to closer working with the Fire Authority in the context of the government’s policy of collaboration and integration between Police and Fire Services.

In conclusion, the Panel thanked the Commissioners and his staff for preparing the Plan and fully responding to Members’ queries. The Panel recommended that Chief Constable Watson be invited to a future meeting to elaborate further on the development of the Neighbourhood Policing Model.

Resolved:

1.    That the Police and Crime Commissioner be advised of the Panel’s support for the Police and Crime Plan 2017 – 2021.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Panel’s Support Officer to formally respond and convey the Members’ comments to the Police and Crime Commissioner on behalf of the Panel.

3.    That a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining how the Police and Crime Plan will align to the workforce plan of South Yorkshire Police.

4.    That Chief Constable Watson be invited to attend a future meeting of the Panel to outline the developing approach to Neighbourhood Policing in South Yorkshire.