Meeting documents

To note and ask questions on the topical issues report.

Commissioning

Shona Morrison Policy Development Manager OPCC presented a report on the proposed victims’s services re-design. From 1 April 2015 the OPCC commissioned a range of services to assist victims to cope and recover from the consequences of crime. Based on learning from the first round of commissioning the PCC is intending to undertake a fundamental re-design of commissioned Victims’ Services by 1 April 2018 which would include:-

·         A central co-located ‘Victims First’ Hub with the Thames Valley Police Witness Care Unit.

·         A number of actual or virtual satellite hubs

·         A range of community ‘touchpoints’ or safe places where members of the public and other professionals can access information, obtain advice or initiate a referral to the Victims Hub.

The overall aim of this proposal was to provide a better service to victims of crime through co-ordination of witness care with enhanced, wraparound, emotional, practical and psychotherapeutic support for all victims. The outcome for victims of crime would be a better and more personalised service, with a single point of contact and co-ordinated care from point of report, throughout criminal justice proceedings, and beyond. Ms Girling, Independent Member commented that the new streamlined system looked better but asked why they were changing it. The PCC reported that it was a more efficient and rigorous system and it was an improvement in terms of directing where the funding was being allocated. The Policy Development Manager reported that the new system was more ‘front loaded’ to ensure that resources were prioritised to those victims who most needed them. Ms Girling then asked for progress on ‘Track my crime’ which provided information to victims and was informed that this would be going live shortly. Members welcomed the report.

Police helmets

Thames Valley Police replaced custodian helmets with peaked caps about five years ago but the PCC reported that he and the Chief Constable were now considering whether they should be brought back at the PCC felt they presented a smarter image, would improve public confidence in policing and provided head protection. Curtis James Marshall, Independent Member commented that as a special constable he welcomed this step as it helped in visibility and they would be good to wear ‘on the beat’ or within busy town centres. The MET used flat caps and helmets. Cllr Mallon thought this was a good idea for identification purposes. Cllr Birchley also thought it was a good idea as it would make police officers more imposing. Cllr Page commented that he could see the merits in the proposal but asked for more information including the views of the Police Federation.

Cllr Macpherson asked about police views on helmets. The Chief Constable reported that it depended on age. An extensive consultation had been conducted previously in Aylesbury as a pilot area where they had changed uniforms and some officers preferred the traditional helmet. Others found it uncomfortable. He would have a look at comments made on the previous consultation and the cost impact of re-introducing helmets particularly in a time of austerity.

Action: Chief Constable

Community Safety Fund allocation

Cllr Page asked when a decision would be made on the allocation. Ian Thompson reported that following the consultation above the majority of responses had suggested keeping the status quo or status quo with top slice. The PCC had now agreed in principle to keep the status quo with a top slice and they would be informing Local Authorities of their allocations in time for budget preparation. The PCC reported that whilst Council budgets were also under pressure this funding had to be used to provide good outcomes rather than supporting underfunded local authority service budgets.

Press articles

Cllr Birchley referred to a press article relating to the amount of sick leave for police officers rising and she asked how this impacted on the Thames Valley. The Chief Constable reported that the Thames Valley had low figures and stress related illnesses could often be related to issues at home rather than work. They had launched a ‘Wellbeing Strategy’ and also MIND champions to help officers who were feeling stressed and a referral could be made for further help if appropriate. Police officers are referred to the Head of Occupational Therapy if they were off for more than 28 days.

Police Houses

Cllr Burke asked whether empty police houses could be used to help people who were homeless. The Chief Constable reported that the Force had an Estates Strategy and that because of budget pressures it was important for them to get the best value for their estate so they had to go to the open market.

Modern Slavery

Cllr Sinclair asked for an update on modern slavery. The PCC reported that there had been one or two convictions for modern slavery. Cllr Sinclair asked whether there were any language problems in relation to this area. The Chief Constable reported that every police officer had access to an interpreter through a telephone system. New recruits with language skills were encouraged to apply to TVP as this helped break down barriers with minority communities.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/traveller-family-caught-camera-forcing-8361845

Asylum Seekers

Cllr Burke asked how many areas had taken unaccompanied asylum seekers. Milton Keynes Council was deemed adequate and had taken in 40 people. The PCC reported that this was not his responsibility although he would support this area where he could.

OPCC Office Structure

Cllr Egleton asked what plans the PCC had for his Office. The PCC reported that they had now found a candidate for Deputy PCC which was Matt Barber, who was currently Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council. This would be subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel. He was still keen to appoint ‘Associate PCCs’ and to have regional offices but was looking at the best way to achieve this. He had looked at other areas where Associate PCC had been appointed – West Midlands PCC had gone out to tender for their appointment and had received criticism for appointing them. The Chief Executive OPCC reported that West Midlands had appointed an Associate as a contractual service provider so that they could make a political appointment rather that a staff appointment. He commented that it was important to abide by the legislation. Cllr Egleton reported that other areas had appointed Associates and that it was important to have the new structure in place as soon as possible.