Meeting documents

The Chairman welcomed Daniel Sullivan – Prevent and Community Safety co-ordinator, Sarah McBrearty – Community Services Team Leader, and Superintendent Kevin Brown, Commander Wycombe Local Police Area, Thames Valley Police.  It was noted that Superintendent Brown was new to the role. 

The meeting provided information on the three year Wycombe Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2017-2020.  By using two analysis documents:  The Thames Valley Police Force Strategy Assessment and the Buckinghamshire Community Safety Partnership Strategic Assessment, these helped to inform the priorities outlined in the Plan.  The priorities for 2017-2020 and actions were as follows:   

• Tackling anti-social behaviour and crime - Public consultation showed that crime and anti-social behaviour was still a concern for residents of the district.  As certain crimes occur in peaks and troughs the Community Safety Partnership would continue to plan for the peak times and limit increases in these types of crime. Also new tools were being developed to be used effectively to deal with anti-social behaviour.

• Safeguarding communities from exploitation - It was explained that Modern Slavery was a growing issue and the Partnership were working to raise awareness and provide training for practitioners to identify victims and perpetrators.  Research had shown that people who were homeless were vulnerable to becoming victims of exploitation.  It was noted that work was being undertaken with a variety of agencies to support homeless people with issues that contribute to their situation.  Also as domestic abuse was considered an under reported crime the Partnership would be supporting victims and encouraging them to report incidents and help to prevent further incidents of abuse.

• Working together to address Child Sexual Exploitation – Work had been undertaken on a ‘Hotel Watch’ scheme with local hotels and bed and breakfast accommodation to educate staff and to encourage them to report suspicious activity to the police.  Further training would take place and the police and licensing team would undertake checks and take action if necessary. Training would be provided to taxi drivers, hotel staff and late night eateries. Raising awareness of Female Genital Mutilation and support for victims would also be undertaken.

• Building community resilience – Working with local business and communities to implement the ‘Safe Place’ scheme.  This scheme helps to provide suitable places for vulnerable people to seek support. Consequently, having access to a ‘Safe Place’ would help vulnerable people lead independent lives and feel safe in Wycombe District.  More support and promotion of Neighbourhood Watch within communities and raising awareness of scams.  A successful Community Cop Card scheme had taken place with year 6 pupils at a Marlow school where pupils collected stickers on a variety of community safety related topics.  An evaluation and report was being produced.

Wycombe continued to be identified as a priority area for Prevent, which was part of the Government’s Contest Counter Terrorism Strategy.  It was noted that it was very rare to have extremist speakers in the area and there was no evidence of problems with speakers in local Mosques.

Referring to a power point presentation Superintendent Kevin Brown outlined the key crime statistics for the District, picking out the major reductions and the major increases in 2016/17 and 2017/18 from the below:

It was reported that a new operational model was now in place this included a larger investigation team and improved neighbourhood policing.   There had been a few problems with the new model during the summer due to officer leave and a 12% increase in the demand for policing.  This had now stabilised and was now improving. The Wycombe Local Police Area priorities were Safeguarding, Engagement, Professionalism and Development.

Members made a number of points and received clarification on a number of queries as follows:

• The Prevent Strategy included statutory duties on schools, Local Authorities and elected members. 

• There were no further reports of local residents travelling to Syria.

• The new Police Operation Model enabled officers to meet demands at the right time, officers now started shifts at staggered times and when needed.

• It was noted that the presentation of statistics regarding domestic violence, cybercrime and modern day slavery could be developed in the future.

• Officers explained that GMAP had been effective but required improvement. Work was being undertaken to establish a local process.

• It was suggested that hate crime could be reported via third party organisation such as charities and victim support agencies, and it was noted that hate crime was under reported.

• The enforcement of PSPOs were carried out by police officers or WDC officers.  A fixed penalty notice was issued to perpetrators or they could also be arrested.  However it was noted that enforcement was difficult to pursue in court and many offenders had complex needs. Partnership working with agencies and best practice schemes around the country were being investigated to provide the best outcomes.

• In response to a question on the use of drones it was explained that this was an expensive option due to the licenses involved.  However the digital policing agenda was being examined for future options.

• Training was being undertaken with hotels for the ‘Hotel Watch’ scheme and police officers would be undertaking tests on establishments within the next few months.

• It was noted that honour based violence could be reported to partnership agencies however this was an under reported crime.

The Chairman commended the Partnership on their work and thanked them for their informative and comprehensive presentation.

The meeting then:

RESOLVED: That

(i)     the report of the Wycombe Community Safety Partnership and the data contained therein be noted; and

(ii)    the priorities of the Wycombe Community Safety Partnership for 2017-20 be noted and supported.