Agenda item

To receive the Q4 Monitoring Report 2024/25.

The Panel received an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner on the HIMCFRS PEEL Report, which highlighted three key areas of improvement and reflected overall progress. It was acknowledged that Dorset Police understood the challenges they faced and had a clear vision for addressing them, with several elements considered good practice. A particularly high percentage of 999 calls were answered within ten seconds, consistently exceeding targets.

 

In relation to responding to the public, improvements to 999 answering times were noted, while the non-emergency response remained an area requiring further development. The Force was taking steps to optimise this service. In the area of investigating crime, there was a clear focus on victim outcomes, supported by the national investigative framework and continuous professional development for officers. Improvements had been made to digital capabilities, including enhanced mobile systems, and work was being aligned with strategic priorities and targeted governance. Victim engagement remained central to this work, and projections indicated that a fully trained and advanced cohort of officers was expected by March 2028.

 

Regarding stop and search, the Panel was informed that use of the power was now more effectively targeted, but that Dorset Police still needed to improve to no longer be an outlier at the national level. Disparities in stop and search continued to be reviewed on a quarterly basis, with strong scrutiny arrangements in place, including the Force’s own scrutiny panel. The use of body-worn video was identified as an important tool in promoting organisational learning.

 

Questions from Panel Members – 00:52:08 on the recording

• Commented that the update was a positive sign.
• Queried whether the proposed Contact Management system improvements involved adding new systems or replacing existing ones, noting that the control room currently managed multiple systems, and asked whether the systems would run concurrently.
• requested whether a document outlining the structured system could be published to provide clarity on the plan and its impact and asked if there was a timeline for implementation.
• Asked whether, prior to going out to market, Dorset Police had reviewed systems used by other police forces nationally.
• Raised a query regarding video submissions and aspects of digital evidence management, noted for the forward plan, and requested figures on the current number of detectives compared to the projected number in March 2028.

 

 

Priority one - Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour - 01:08:15 on the recording

 

The Panel was informed that total crime and antisocial behaviour continued to decline, with antisocial behaviour reducing by 12% over the past year. The Op Relentless Community Fund was highlighted as a success in supporting local initiatives, including funding for the DocBike motorcyclist safety project. Burglary rates remained stable, with preventative measures introduced through home safety leaflets distributed via estate agents. Figures for serious road injuries were also falling, though it was noted that stigma around drug driving had not yet matched that of drink driving. An improved online theft information pack and a quarterly fraud and cybercrime newsletter had been introduced to raise awareness, acknowledging that while such crimes were not often raised at public meetings, they remained prevalent in Dorset.

 

 

Questions from the Priority Leads and Panel members – 01:15:48 on the recording.

• A question was raised on the home security leaflet pilot, asking how success had been determined
• It was queried why business and retail crime remained rated as amber, acknowledging good work undertaken but seeking clarification on the difficulties in addressing these crimes.
• A point was raised regarding public opinion.
• An update was requested on the use of AI technology and the integration of different software systems.
• A question was asked about collaboration with the Highways Authority and whether a review of reporting systems would be undertaken to improve processes.
• Clarification was sought on what encouragement was being provided to members of the public to use the reporting system.

 

 

Priority two - Make Policing More Visible and Connected – 01:42:13 on the recording

 

The Panel welcomed the partnership work contributing to a safe summer. It was reported that in March the police force had hosted two events. Dorset was noted as a popular day-visit destination. While satisfaction levels had declined, they remained generally stable over time. A preceptr survey indicated that 76% of respondents supported additional funding for policing, with 55% willing to pay the minimum increase or more. However, there was a prevailing view that policing costs should be borne by the government rather than the people of Dorset. Attendance at the Neighbourhood Engagement Board was confirmed, ensuring that engagement and connectivity were effective. The Board was reported to be operating successfully and had scrutinised force plans. It was emphasised that the Force aimed to bring the police closer to the community, with over 600 community contact groups established.

 

 

Questions from the Priority Leads and Panel members – 01:50:15 on the recording.

• A question was raised regarding how response time figures were obtained.
• It was asked whether the 101 service was manned during the early hours of the morning.
• Clarification was sought on prioritisation levels for calls.
• An inquiry was made about response times to 101 online requests and the typical waiting period before a response is received.
• Clarification was requested concerning the term "online home" as referenced during the discussion.
• Questions were posed about the purpose of Neighbourhood Engagement Boards, including membership, meeting frequency, and whether findings were published publicly.

 

 

Priority three - Fight Violent Crime and High Harm – 02:33:35 on the recording

 

The Panel was informed that serious violence had decreased. Victim support and domestic abuse were discussed, with domestic abuse highlighted as a significant issue. Bystander awareness training was noted as part of ongoing efforts. Attention was drawn to addiction and substance use, with consideration given to both local and national approaches to addressing these challenges. The Dorset Criminal Justice Board was reviewed, alongside discussion of the reclassification of ketamine. Although knife crime remained among the lowest in the country, concern was expressed over the number of children carrying knives.

 

Questions from the Priority Leads and Panel members – 02:41:42 on the recording.

• A good assessment was made in relation to prevention.
• A query was raised regarding any findings related to Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) week.
• Progress on the Violence Against Women and Girls workshop was requested

 

 

Priority four – Fight Rural Crime 02:49:01 on the recording.

 

The Panel was pleased to report that total crime and incident numbers had decreased, with resources increasing accordingly. The Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime was discussed, alongside organised crime initiatives. Support had been given to a mobile operation targeting vehicles to address metal theft and waste-related offences. Heritage crime prevention was promoted through the release of short films aimed at raising awareness. A fly-tipping initiative had resulted in fines increasing by over 70%. Funding had also been provided for a rural crime pack focused on livery and stable theft.

 

 

Questions from the Priority Leads and Panel members 02:55:52 on the recording.

• Had Dorset seen an increase in heritage crime

 

In accordance with Procedural Rule 8.1 the committee voted to extend the duration of the meeting

 

 

Priority five - Put Victim and Communities First – 03:05:43 on the recording

 

The Panel was informed that victim satisfaction had increased, with a commitment to ensuring victims of crime had the best possible access to support. Hate crime levels remained stable. Victim support services in Dorset had been commissioned for an additional five years. Engagement with a working group was ongoing. Concern was expressed regarding the number of young people carrying knives, and pilot work had been undertaken to engage with young people to better understand their views on policing.

 

 

Questions from the Priority Leads and Panel members – 03:09:18 on the recording.

• Hate crime data had been split to provide more granulated differentiation.
• A survey was commissioned to examine variations in hate crime across the county.
• Analysis was being conducted to compare urban and rural experiences of hate crime.
• A question was raised regarding the commissioner’s potential influence in addressing the propagation of hate crime and challenges posed by online influencers and media.
• Engagement with young people was ongoing.
• It was noted with approval that work was being undertaken with the Witness Profiler and People First Forum, with queries about whether these groups supported individuals with learning disabilities or dual diagnoses

 

 

Priority six - Make Every Penny Count – 03:37:17 on the recording

 

Questions from the Priority Leads and Panel members – 03:37:39 on the recording.

• A question was raised regarding what actions the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was taking to ensure Dorset received a fair share of funding from central government.
• The efforts of the PCC and officers were commended

 

The Panel’s ongoing support was warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated by the Police and Crime Commissioner. Gratitude was expressed for the opportunity to undertake this important work, with recognition given to the efforts made in engaging with the press and being vocal to central government. Continued support from local MPs was actively sought. The PCC highlighted recent successes in Dorset while also noting the significant cuts that Dorset Police had endured. Dorset was one of the lowest-funded forces in the country, and the PCC discussed the impacts of this. The current police funding formula was highlighted, with concerns raised about its inadequacy and the resulting financial burden placed unfairly on the people of Dorset. It was noted that a response from MPs and the Home Secretary was still pending. Early summer demand pressures were also discussed, confirming that the force was currently in the process of costing this demand. Once the data is available, it will be used to bring MPs together again to address the issue. This presents an opportunity to frame the challenge as both a practical and strategic concern. A strong emphasis was placed on the need to make a tangible difference for the people of Dorset.