To consider the Community Safety Plan and Priorities for 2014/15.

The Head of Community Safety introduced a report that set out the three priorities and emerging issues that had been identified through the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Strategic Assessment for 2014/15.  In particular the report highlighted increasing numbers of incidents of serious acquisitive crime and domestic abuse, which was in part due to a change in the definition of domestic abuse.  The CSP had also identified several emerging issues that would be reviewed in more detail over the coming year.  In addition the Committee were advised that references to the estimated growth in Gypsy and Traveller population and the number of pitches needed to meet need would be amended in light of recent Overview and Scrutiny and Executive meetings. 

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) advised the Committee that each of the CSPs priorities featured in his Police and Crime Plan.  Crime across Central Bedfordshire was lower than in other parts of the County but there were areas that were more challenging.  Bedfordshire Police did not receive a significant amount of funding and due to reductions in grants it had been necessary to enforce a recruitment freeze, as a result of which front-line policing had suffered.  Bedfordshire Police was now in a position to recruit staff in order to rebalance this issue.  Due to historical under-reporting of incidents of domestic abuse it was expected that the number of incidents would increase.  This would demonstrate increase confidence in the Police approach to dealing with incidents of domestic abuse.

In light of the report the Committee and other Members in attendance discussed the following issues in detail:-

·         How support was provided to children who were impacted by living in circumstances of domestic abuse.  In response the PCC commented that in 2014 he would receive responsibility for commissioning support services for victimsat which point he would consider the support provided in relation to domestic abuse that was currently delivered in partnership with other agencies.  The Head of Community Safety also confirmed that support was provided to children in collaboration with the Children’s Services directorate and the Safeguarding Children Board

·         The process for dealing with repeat incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB).  The PCC advised that in light of a previous inspection Bedfordshire Police had taken action to address weaknesses in the control room to give assurance that performance had improved.  CI Tania Coulson also commented that a structured process was in place to provide checks and balances and this started at the first point of contact from control room.

·         The current numbers of Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs) and Police Constables.  The PCC advised the Committee that the numbers of PCSOs had increased to establishment level (42 in Central Bedfordshire).  There were 80 officers recently recruited who would go into response policing.

·         The degree of confidence in the crime statistics used to produce the strategic assessment risk matrix.  The Head of Community Safety advised the Committee that in addition to statistics the risk matrix was developed in light of engagement and discussion with partners.  If issues emerged during the year the CSP would be able to work together to mitigate the issue.

·         The importance of the Council adding value where it was involved and not being seen to tamper in police business unnecessarily.  In response the PCC commented that Bedfordshire would not be able to deal with some challenges without a multi-agency approach.  Working in partnership provided a means of addressing problems with resources and encouraged the delivery of outcomes, Integrated Offender Management was one such example where partnership working had add value.  Multi-agency intervention in an issue could provide benefits to a range of partners rather than just one partner.

·         Whether detection rates for ASB and burglary were rising in Central Bedfordshire.  In response CI Tania Coulson commented that the detection rate had not fallen but rates were counted holistically so the rate for Central Bedfordshire could not be separated from that for Bedford and Luton.

·         Whether it was acceptable that Parish Councils had to fund additional hours for PCSOs.  In response the PCC commented it was important that Parish Councils received clarity on where there money was spent and the additional benefit they received for funding additional hours.

·         Member concerns regarding plans of the PCC to close police stations as part of a review of the police estate.  In response the PCC clarified there was no target in relation to savings on the estate.  There was no timetable for the review but facilities would make services more accessible and would enable the police to more effectively spend resources elsewhere.  Although the funding settlement had been worse than expected resulting in additional pressure the Innovation Fund would help to balance the budget.

·         The negative perception that results publically from discussing the potential closure of police stations.  The PCC advised the Committee that due to the importance of public perception and confidence he did not talk in terms of station closures.  Accessibility of police stations by moving them would help to improve perceptions.  CI Tania Coulson also commented on the importance of engaging with numerous people to encourage positive perceptions and to realise the benefits of collaboration.  Communication and collaboration with Parish Councils and Councillors was to be encouraged in order to encourage more responsive Police force.

In response to a specific question from a Member CI Tania Coulson agreed to review a specific case where a Member had been told that the Police would not respond to an incident where an offender had been apprehended at the scene.  It was clarified that in those circumstances the Police would provide a response as a priority.

RECOMMENDED to Executive that the Committee supports the three Partnership Strategic Assessment priorities identified for 2014/15 as follows:-

a.    reduce the number of victim of anti-social behaviour and supporting those who are most vulnerable;

b.    reduce the number of victims of domestic abuse and supporting those who are most vulnerable;

c.    reduce domestic burglary.

(Meeting adjourned at 1102hrs and reconvened at 1115hrs)