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Agenda and minutes

Venue: virtual

Contact: Khalid Ahmed, Thames Valley Police & Crime Panel Scrutiny Officer  Tel: 07990 368048; Email:  khalid.ahmed@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Link: videolink to meeting

Items
No. Item

29/20

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Emily Culverhouse (Co-Opted Member – Buckinghamshire Council).

30/20

Minutes pdf icon PDF 588 KB

To agree the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 September 2020.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 4 September 2020 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

[In relation to Minute No. 19 – Minutes - Taxi-Licensing Coordinator Single Point of Contact Post - the PCC undertook to report back to the next Panel on progress made on raising the issue of the introduction of legislation  standardising taxi licensing, with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.  

 

In relation to Minute No.21 - Themed item - Exploitation - Preventing CSE/Modern Slavery/Forced Marriage/Hidden Harm/Female Genital Mutilation and Honour Based Crime/People Trafficking- Reference was made to Thames Valley’s Independent Trauma Advisors project and the PCC was asked to clarify and provide further details on the cost benefit analysis as detailed on page 57 of the agenda. The PCC was asked for clarity and more detail on the figures.

 

The PCC referred Members to the full cost-benefit analysis report which was published on the PCC’s website https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/victims-first/modern-slavery/

 

In relation to Minute No. 22 - Police and Crime Plan Strategic Priority 4: Performance Report - Serious Organised Crime and Terrorism and the request from the Panel on how the PCC measured the success of initiatives he funded to reduce re-offending and to reduce serious organised crime, the PCC provided a full written answer which was distributed to Panel Members.]

31/20

Thames Valley Police - Estate Collaboration with 'Blue Light' Emergency Services and Local Authorities pdf icon PDF 223 KB

The Panel to receive a presentation from Peter Smith (Strategy & Assets Manager, TVP Property Services). Report attached, together with background information paper, produced by the Panel’s Scrutiny Officer.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Peter Smith, Strategy & Assets Manager of Thames Valley Police attended the meeting and provided the Panel with a report which contained details on progress made by TVP on estate collaborations with ‘Blue Light’ and Local Authority partners.

 

The Panel was informed that there was a legal requirement under the Crime and Disorder Act 2017 to consider collaboration. In the last five years there had been an increasing degree of stated intentions between partners to collaborate.

 

There was a Memorandum of Understanding for ‘Blue Light’ estate collaboration, although this only covered the three Thames Valley Fire Services and TVP as South-Central Ambulance Service involvement was minimal.

 

Reference was made to county level One Public Estate (OPE) programmes initiated regionally by the Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association (LGA). These had broadened the estates conversation across a wider local partnership base including Councils, Blue Light, LEP, numerous Health Trusts and some central Government departments.

 

The Panel was informed TVP’s Asset Management Plan was refreshed every 2 years, although the 2020 Plan had been delayed because of COVID and the current Effectiveness & Efficiency review, which was expected to result in an expansion of estate rationalisation plans, to address increased budgetary pressures.

 

Reference was made to the impact which COVID had, with a shift to a more home-based working model for a range of functions, and greater ICT capability for operational teams which would have implications on future estate requirements for the Force.

 

The Panel was informed that there were 14 disposal projects at various stages of development. The most significant current project was the new Tri-Service Blue Light hub (BLH) at West Ashlands, Milton Keynes, which would enable the sale of Bletchley Police Station. There was a smaller scale new Tri-Service hub underway at Theale, Berkshire where a TVP Neighbourhood Base would be established.

 

Members were informed that TVP monitored housing plans by Local Authority area and engaged with the planning system where necessary. Reference was made to developer contribution commitments in excess of £3.2m which had been legally secured since 2010, with £1.2m paid to TVP to date.

 

There were a number of new Neighbourhood Police office requirements identified in large strategic growth areas, which would typically be small offices and mainly located within new Community Centres and hubs.

 

Members’ Questions

 

(1) In relation to future projects, what is the current situation regarding proposals for Reading Town Centre? Are there still plans to close Reading Police Station in the town centre and relocate to Atlantic House in south Reading?

 

[The Panel was informed that Atlantic House required refurbishment and would be ready for occupation between July 2021-March 2022. There was ongoing dialogue with Reading Borough Council and the Fire Service. The Deputy PCC reiterated the commitment strategically to the proposals. Atlantic House would have the “front counter” presence for Reading with discussions taking place on what the Town Centre presence would be.]

 

(2) Reference was made to the impressive Blue Hub in Milton Keynes and that there had been some  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31/20

32/20

Update on Road Safety Working Group pdf icon PDF 424 KB

To consider an attached report which updates the Panel on the work of the Road Safety Working Group which was set up as a result of a recommendation of this Panel in April 2017.

 

Supt Colin Hudson from TVP will present the item.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Panel was reminded that at a previous Panel meeting held in April 2017, consideration was given to an item on Roads Policing, a core part of policing.

 

As a result of a recommendation of the Panel, a Road Safety Working Group was set up and it was asked to consider the following:

 

         Transparent documentation on TVP’s strategy on roads policing

         Consideration of a business case for average speed cameras

         Improved dialogue between police and local authorities on the siting and decommissioning of speed cameras and the need for a Deployment Strategy

         Consideration of the most effective way to ensure better co-ordination of information across the Thames Valley and ways to improve partnership working.

 

Supt Colin Hudson from Thames Valley Police attended the meeting and Members were provided with a report which provided an update on the progress made in considering the recommendations.

 

The Panel was informed that in relation to more transparent documentation on a roads policing strategy, the current JOU Roads Policing plan was based on the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) 5-year strategy 2015-2020 of policing the roads in partnership. There were four key objectives, Safe, Secure, Effective and Efficient roads.

 

Reference was made to monthly Tasking and Co-Ordination Group (TCG) meetings which were held, which identified the highest risk locations and offenders on roads. Roads policing resources would be tasked with attending the locations or tackling offending.

 

This meeting also identified casualty trends in relation to vulnerable road users and links this with road safety campaigns at a national and local level.

 

The Safer Roads Team deployed mobile speed camera vans to areas identified as a having a high rate of KSIs, personal injury collisions, community concern or non-compliance of speed.

 

It was acknowledged that in relation to the HMICFRS report which reviewed roads policing, there was a need for improvements to be made, although TVP was not one of the Police Forces inspected.  

 

The Panel was informed that regarding a business case for average speed cameras; the Thames Valley did not currently have police funded average speed camera sites. Supt Hudson commented that they were an effective deterrent, however, historically the cost of the systems had precluded the use of this technology.

 

With an improvement in the technology and a reduction in costs, consideration could now be given to review this position. An example was given of a pilot taking place in Hampshire and if feasible would be looked at for Thames Valley.

 

In relation to the siting and decommissioning of speed cameras, Members were informed that TVP was currently in the process of upgrading roadside cameras as part of a digitalisation programme. Existing fixed camera locations have been rated in order of priority using collision and offence data over a 5-year period, the weighting being 60% collisions and 40% offences.

 

Each location has been individually assessed taking into consideration site environment and Roads Policing were working jointly with the nine local and unitary authorities to identify suitable locations for upgrade.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32/20

33/20

Police and Crime Plan Strategic Priority 2 - Performance Report - Prevention and Early Intervention pdf icon PDF 578 KB

To receive a report from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Minutes:

The Panel was provided with a report which detailed progress made (Year 4, 2020/21 to end of quarter 2) on delivery of the following four-year Police and Crime Plan key aims for addressing Prevention and Early Intervention:

 

·       Coordinated efforts by police and partner agencies to improve public awareness of measures to protect themselves from cybercrime, particularly targeting those most at risk (such as those at either end of the age spectrum).

·       Increased focus by all agencies on preventing and tackling ‘peer on peer’ abuse.

·       A coordinated strategy between police, health and local authorities to tackle FGM in Thames Valley, leading to improved reporting of FGM and evidenced approaches on prevention.

·       Improved reporting and understanding of the prevalence and nature of hate crime across Thames Valley.

·       Police and partners address road safety concerns, especially amongst vulnerable groups such as younger people, cyclists and pedestrians.

·       Improved use of technology by police, in order to prevent crime and support earlier intervention with known offenders.

 

The PCC referred to the first key aim on Cybercrime which particularly affected the elderly and those less skilled with technology. An Economic Crime Unit and Finance Team have been set up to deal with the problem.

 

Reference was made to the increasing number of email scams which had resulted in huge financial loss to people which was a major issue. The PCC reported that not enough was being done on this at a national level, although the law had changed which meant he was able to “lift” unexplained money from the bank accounts of convicted people and assign those funds to charities and organisations that dealt with this type of crime. 

 

In relation to peer on peer abuse, this was aimed at the young community and centred on gangs and the pressure put on young people to join gangs and the  crime which could result from this activity. A Member referred to Domestic Abuse and the PCC said that this was separate major issue. The Chief Constable reported that Domestic Abuse had increased by 21% from last year which had mainly been due to COVD 19 and lockdown.

 

Proactive visits had been made to vulnerable people under lockdown, offering reassurance. Domestic Abuse outcomes, justice for victims had gone up 35%.

 

Reference was made to TVP’s Radicalisation website and the PCC and Chief Constable were congratulated for the work on this.

 

Discussion took place on hidden crimes such as FGM and the PCC was thanked for the support he gave organisations who tackled this.

 

The Chairman praised the work which had taken place on Hidden Crimes but reference was made to the PCC’S Strategic Priorities and it was asked that in future Police and Crime Plans, that Abuse should include those hidden crimes, such as Caste Discrimination, Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Coercive Control.

 

The PCC referred to the figures on Hate Crime which had showed this had gone up. It was difficult to know whether this was because it was on the increase or because of better  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33/20

34/20

Professional & Ethical Standards Panel's Annual Assurance Report 2019 pdf icon PDF 259 KB

To consider the attached report.

Minutes:

The Panel noted the Professional & Ethics Standards Panel’s Annual Assurance Report.

 

The Chairman referred to the Assurance Statement in the report, “the Panel can provide an assurance to the PCC and Chief Constable that the complaints handling and management arrangements in place within Thames Valley Police are operating efficiently and effectively.”

35/20

Report of the Complaints Sub-Committee pdf icon PDF 128 KB

To receive the attached report summarising recent complaints considered.   

Minutes:

The report of the Complaints Sub-Committee was noted.

36/20

Chairman and PCC Announcements and Topical Issues pdf icon PDF 533 KB

To receive announcements from the PCC and the Chairman of the Panel and to note and ask questions on the topical issues report, produced by the Panel’s Scrutiny Officer.

Minutes:

The Topical Issues report was noted.

37/20

Work Programme pdf icon PDF 539 KB

For Panel Members to put forward items for the Work Programme including ideas for themed meetings.

Minutes:

Noted.

38/20

Exclusion of Press and Public

The public should be excluded during this item because its discussion in public would be likely to lead to the disclosure to members of the public present of information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person as detailed in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended):

 

It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information in that such disclosure would infringe the rights of the individual to privacy contrary to the general law and the duty of the authority to respect human rights and to comply with that law and contrary to the authority’s duties as a fair employer.

 

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the public be excluded during this item because its discussion in public would be likely to lead to the disclosure to members of the public present of information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person as detailed in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended):

 

It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information in that such disclosure would infringe the rights of the individual to privacy contrary to the general law and the duty of the authority to respect human rights and to comply with that law and contrary to the authority’s duties as a fair employer.

 

39/20

Equip ERP Programme Update

To receive a confidential report from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Minutes:

The PCC updated the Panel on the Equip ERP Programme.