Meeting documents

Includes topical issues report

National Police and Crime Panel Association

The Chairman referred to the setting up of a Special Interest Group by the Local Government Association which would act as the national voice for Police and Crime Panels. To enable this work to be taken forward a contribution of up to £500 was being requested from each Panel, although further clarification was required about whether the Home Office Grant could be used for this purpose. Members expressed concern that Local Authorities were being asked to contribute to this National Association and agreed that no contribution should be made at this current time.

Webcasting

Members were asked to consider the costs of webcasting and whether this should be taken forward. They considered that the cost of webcasting at Aylesbury Vale District Council was expensive and suggested that other options should be considered with a further report in June 2018 when the rules of procedure were reviewed.

Action: Scrutiny Officer

PCC Update

Language Schools

The PCC reported that a letter had been sent from Lord Agnew, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the School System in relation to Ofsted Inspections of English Language Schools. The letter referred to the publication of the Government’s Counter Extremism Strategy in 2015, which set out plans to introduce a new system of oversight for out of school settings. Key features of the system include strengthening existing oversight, so there is transparency about where these settings are operating, as well as enabling Ofsted to enter, investigate and apply sanctions where there is evidence that a setting is failing to adequately safeguard children in its care. In the meantime the Government is continuing to work with the education sector, including Ofsted, community organisations and operational partners to safeguard children, and protect them from harm, including harm caused by radicalising influences. They have also been supporting local authorities to use their existing powers under safeguarding, or health and safety legislation to disrupt and tackle unsuitable out-of-school settings.

Police Helmets

A pilot was being undertaken in Reading to reintroduce police helmets and, according to the PCC, feedback so far from police officers was very positive. Cllr Hayes asked about the cost of helmets and was informed by the PCC that they cost £30 each which was good value for money for the visibility it provided. Most of the large Forces in the Country still wear helmets. The Chief Constable reported that the police uniform had been changed in 2009 and there had been a consultation undertaken. The change was mainly for officers on foot as the flat cap was more practicable for officers using cars. Following the pilot they would review feedback to see whether this scheme should be extended across the Force area. The PCC reported that there would be an upfront cost of around £30,000 but after incurring the upfront cost, the ongoing annual cost would significantly reduce. Cllr Hayes asked whether this funding would pay for a Police Community Support Officer. He reported that Oxford City were looking to employ two PCSO’s which was £70k. The PCC reported that increased visibility of the police across the Thames Valley would balance out the cost of one PCSO.

National representation

The PCC was on some national bodies and he gave an update:-

·          The PCC made reference to the recent HMICFRS Report on the National Police Air Service (NPAS) where a comment had been made that the National Police Air Service (NPAS) was being used less, costing more and not serving police as well.The PCC reported that because they were based in one area, it had previously cost forces located far away from the base too much money for transit costs. Therefore they were looking at how the air service should be run including having fixed costs and the use of airplanes rather than helicopters. Helicopters currently cost £2000 per hour

 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/police-helicopters-not-calling-chase-criminals-escape-costs-delay-too-long-arrive-npas-hmic-report-a8083276.html

·         Strategic Counter Terrorism Board – the PCC reported that despite an increase in funding and firearm officers this was an area of concern, particularly with 23,000 people in the Country who were of interest to the police and that they were prioritising cases.

·         The PCC had taken part in a recent House of Commons debate relating to various scandals that have hit the financial sector (this included the fraud committed by employees of HBOS Reading). Some small companies had been destroyed by fraud and this was a major issue to be addressed. Some of the financial losses were huge and outstripped serious organised crime.

Cllr Burke asked how much time he spent on national issues. The PCC responded that he spent one third of his time on national issues but they were issues that affected everyone such as Serious Organised Crime and national capabilities.

Cllr Mann referred to the recent media coverage relating to disclosure and how Thames Valley was approaching this. The Chief Constable reported that the Assistant Chief Constable led on disclosure and a lot of training was taking place. TVP were focusing on effective investigations and ensuring that all lines of enquiry were addressed. Disclosure was part of this investigation. The Chief Constable reported that nationally there was a crisis in confidence in investigations and that they were taking this issue seriously to build confidence.