Meeting documents

This item is to provide Members with information on the work of the Local Criminal Justice Board. A number of the PCC’s Strategic Objectives in the Police and Crime Plan relate to the Criminal Justice process therefore this item will provide information on the operation of the Board and the key issues being addressed.

David Colchester Programme Manager for the Local Criminal Justice Board will be attending.

David Colchester Programme Manager for the Local Criminal Justice Board was welcomed to the meeting. This item was to provide Members with information on the work of the Board and key issues being addressed relating to the PCC Strategic Objectives in the Police and Crime Plan. A handout was tabled on the governance, structure and priorities for 2015/16.

During his presentation the following points were noted:-

·         The purpose and vision of the Board was to reduce crime, harm and risk by increasing the efficiency and credibility of the Criminal Justice System. The Board is committed to delivering a high quality of service to the communities of Thames Valley, focussing on the needs of the individual, irrespective of background.

·         The Board promotes innovation and local freedoms and flexibilities, highlights barriers and analyses performance data to ensure that it is working as efficiently as possible.

·         The constitution of the Board is wide ranging with a number of agencies including the PCC and representation from Victim Support, Local Authority Chief Executives  and Public Health.

·         The Board meets five times a year and also has an Annual Planning Day which is usually held in January.

·         There is a rotating chair and the PCC will be the next Chairman with a two year tenure.

·         The priorities of the Board are set out within the handout and are reviewed on an annual basis which includes reducing reoffending and supporting victims and witnesses. There has been a slight change of focus looking at magistrates and crown court and the quality of case files.

·         The Board has several delivery groups, consisting of strategic and operational agency leads. The groups will be responsible for achieving the priorities in their area of business through leadership, management and supervision.

·         In terms of victims and witnesses this Autumn they looked at the new Victim Code of Practice and also ensuring they were properly supported through the court process and able to provide good evidence. They were working on ‘digital technology’ so that vulnerable people did not have to go to court and evidence was given through a remote video link.

·         Another area being looked at was health inequalities of offenders and links with drugs and alcohol and access to primary and secondary health care. Work was also being undertaken making sure that Looked After Children were not criminalised and not at a disadvantage because of their background. There was also ‘Working in Step’ where local multi-agency partnerships have been established in a number of complex areas of public policy, such as crime reduction and public health, in order to determine and work towards shared local priorities; oversee services which are provided jointly; and manage the risks and interdependencies between work carried out on a single agency basis.

·         The Criminal Justice Board was in a healthy position and was well supported by agencies with clear direction and management.

During discussion the following points were made:-

·         Cllr Pitts asked a question about the Early Guilty Plea Scheme CPS. These cases are fast tracked so that plea and sentence can be dealt with at one hearing which reduces the need for case preparation and allows the court to focus on contested cases. It also reduces the victim’s anxiety. The Programme Manager reported that they have robust management of the Scheme. Better Case Management is a new initiative in the Crown Court which will reduce delay which can often weaken the prosecution and have a negative impact on the victim and witness. There has been a positive improvement in the management of cases.

·         Cllr Macpherson asked whether there was a website for the LCJB as this would be a good vehicle to promote public confidence and show what they are doing about reoffending rates and the work of the Youth Offending Team. The Programme Manager reported that they did need to improve transparency but it could be sometimes difficult to show outcomes for the Thames Valley. Information was put on the police.uk website. They were hoping to develop an information portal by the beginning of the new financial year, working with the Office of the PCC.

·         Cllr Culverhouse asked what technology was being used within the Thames Valley to help the criminal justice system e.g. digitalised court rooms, offender tracking system and the online case tracking service for victims? The Programme Manager reported that the current use of ICT systems was a challenge particularly in a court environment e.g Aylesbury Crown Court was difficult because it was in an old building with a traditional structure. Court rooms were however becoming more digitalised. Tablet devices had also been used for two years by the CPS. Offender tracking devices are being used for certain offenders who are at high risk of re-offending.

·         Cllr Birchley asked about work being undertaken on reoffending. The Reducing Re-offending Delivery Group had established strategic alliances and provides leverage to increase the support for Integrated Offender Management among partner agencies including the new Community Rehabilitation Company. This is part grant funded and part payment by results. The CRC is a commercial enterprise works with partners such as housing, health, drug and alcohol teams and education to prevent reoffending once a person has been released from prison.

·         Cllr Sinclair reported that she was aware that probation services had been struggling to manage case loads and also asked about domestic abuse victims and how many appear in court to give evidence. The Programme Manager reported that domestic violence trials were fast tracked but still take between 4-8 weeks. The early guilty plea had increased significantly and less victims had to go trial.

·         Julia Girling asked about volumes of work for the witness service and also ‘track my crime’. She expressed concern that very few victims knew about the Code of Practice. She also commented that victims gave better evidence the more they were supported by the police and given pre trial visits. She gave an example where one elderly gentleman gave evidence and had to wait three hours for a taxi after being in court. The Chief Constable reported that Track my Crime was associated with the Contact Management Programme and he could not currently give a go live date for this. Regarding victims and witnesses the Programme Manager commented that so many agencies were involved that it was difficult to ensure a consistent approach in terms of victims being told their rights. Witness Care made contact with the victim once a case has been set. The Board were looking at case outcomes and the reasons why cases failed. It was important also that victims and witnesses engage proactively with the different agencies to achieve a good outcome. Julia Girling reported that the need for the victim to feel confident and in control was paramount in order to perform well in court.

·         Cllr Burke asked whether the system was fair in the Thames Valley as there is concern that poorer members of society suffer? The Programme Manager reported that this was part of their leadership statement to focus on the needs of the individual irrespective of background.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-33230552

The Programme Manager was thanked for his contribution to the meeting.