Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting.

The Chairman thanked the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for signing a joint letter to the Home Secretary requesting a medal similar to the Elizabeth Cross that would ensure any emergency service worker who died while carrying out their duties would be honoured and remembered appropriately with the dignity they duly deserved.

The Chairman also commended Dorset Police for their support to Operation London Bridge.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2022

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2022 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The PCC noted that there was no update available in respect of the national 101 contract but noted that this did not affect the local 101 situation.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

M Haines declared an interest as a member of a local community speed watch group.

Representatives of town or parish councils and members of the public who live, work or represent an organisation within the Dorset Council area are welcome to submit up to two questions or two statements for each meeting. Alternatively, you could submit one question and one statement for each meeting.

All submissions must be emailed in full to elaine.tibble@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 8.30am on Monday 26 September 2022. When submitting your question(s) and/or statement(s) please note that:

· no more than three minutes will be allowed for any one question or statement to be asked/read

· a question may include a short pre-amble to set the context and this will be included within the three minute period

· please note that sub divided questions count towards your total of two

· when submitting a question please indicate who the question is for (e.g. the name of the committee), Include your name, address and contact details. Only your name will be published but we may need your other details to contact you about your question or statement in advance of the meeting.

· questions and statements received in line with the council’s rules for public participation will be published as a supplement to the agenda.

· all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.

Dorset Council Constitution - Procedure Rule 9

Councillor Questions

Councillors can submit up to two valid questions at each meeting and sub divided questions count towards this total. Questions and statements received will be published as a supplement to the agenda and all questions, statements and responses will be published in full within the minutes of the meeting.

The submissions must be emailed in full to elaine.tibble@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk by 8.30am on Monday 26 September 2022.

Dorset Council Constitution – Procedure Rule 13

There were no questions or statements from members of the public or local organisations.

To receive an update of progress against the Police and Crime Plan Q1 2022/23, to enable Panel members to scrutinise performance, seek assurance and assess outcomes achieved in the reporting period.

The panel discussed a number of strategic issues, which included drug searches in schools, PCC action based on prevention of future deaths following the coroner’s report on the death of Gaia Pope and sought confirmation that the PCC had sought assurance from the Chief Constable that Dorset Police were actioning the recommendations in the HMICFRS Statement.  In addition, the PCC responded to questions relating to investment in the rural crime team and the categorisation of burglaries.

The PCC highlighted areas of progress within the six priority areas of the PCC’s plan.

Priority 1 – Cut Crime and Anti-social Behaviour (00:23:18 on recording)

The panel considered support for young people and proposed interventions, including the release of a community grant scheme.  The PCC provided an update on issues and noted that information on the grant scheme could be provided to panel members.  In addition, the role of the Youth Voice and detail of surveys to be undertaken were noted.

Further information was requested on how the PCC was holding the Police to account in respect of increasing the detection rate for burglaries.

Actions:

Information on the Community Grant Scheme to be provided to panel members to advertise to communities.

A report to be brought to the panel in respect of increasing the detection rate for burglaries.

Priority 2 – Make Policing more visible and connected (00:48:23 on recording)

Discussion was held on budget issues and the link to rising energy costs and an assurance sought that mechanisms were in place to deliver stated commitments. There was confidence that mechanisms were in place, but this would be kept under review.

In addition, discussion was held regarding the use of body worn video, the target for victim satisfaction indicators and raising awareness of alternative ways to report digitally in addition to 101.

Actions:

Update on 101 contract requested as part of next quarterly report.

Clarification of process for ensuring appropriate use of body worn video.

Priority 3 – Fight violent crime and high harm (01:19:13 on recording)

A question was raised with regard to the Op Soteria scheme and how this should improve the reported 1.7% of the 815 rape investigations concluded by Dorset Police in 2021 that led to a charge or summons.  The PCC provided information on the scheme, its aims, outcomes to date and local solutions that were being investigated.  The panel considered how success was measured in this area and the PCC noted that this was not a preventative system but about gaining understanding and getting justice for victims.

Priority 4 – Fight rural crime (01:34:30 on recording)

The PCC provided an overview of the outcomes from three initial multi-agency ‘task and finish’ groups which focused on; engaging with rural communities through Watch groups; fly-tipping prevention through both awareness raising and enforcement; rural crime prevention through better communication and engagement work with rural communities.

The importance of public engagement on these issues was recognised.

Priority 5 – Put victims and communities first (01:53:45 on recording)

A question was raised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

In accordance with the Constitution, at this point in the meeting it was proposed by S Jespersen seconded by L Fry that the meeting continue beyond 3 hours.  This was supported by the panel.

This paper updates members on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s work on domestic abuse

The Police and Crime Commissioner presented a report to provide an update on work on domestic abuse and the role of Domestic Abuse Advisors.

M Haines, Lead Member for this area asked questions relating to cost of living and training around the identification of early signs of potential domestic abuse, consistency in approach in this area and levels of demand at different times of the year.

The role of the Domestic Abuse Advisors was considered and how the success of these roles could be measured and links to the Maple review.

In response to a question around education for younger persons, the PCC provided information on the Police’s Safer Schools Programme, which included a specific module in this area.

Opportunities for prevention and intervention work were being considered as part of the Maple review.

Action:

Information on the turnover of Domestic Abuse Advisors to be sought.

This paper updates members on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s work on road safety

The Chairman reported that this item would be considered at the next meeting of the panel.

I McVie noted that one complaint had been reported since the last meeting of the panel.  This had been dealt with and resolved under the legislation and was now concluded.

The Service Manager for Assurance would be arranging the annual meeting of the Complaints Sub-committee.  It was noted that the sub-committee required a new member, and it was proposed by I McVie seconded by L Fry that T Johnson be appointed to the Complaints Sub-committee.

Decision

That T Johnson be appointed to the Complaints Sub-committee.

To receive and review the PCP Forward Plan.

Key lines of inquiry would be put together for the Road Safety item to be considered at the next meeting and sent to the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent items.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.

There was no exempt business.