Agenda item

To receive the Q4 Monitoring Report 2025/26

The Police and Crime Commissioner reported that total crime had fallen, with burglary and acquisitive crime significantly reduced. He noted that, despite the closure of the Hotspot Action Fund, Dorset Police remained accountable for delivery. Reference was also made to national data on vehicle crime.

The Panel heard that regular road safety enforcement campaigns had taken place, including a joint operation with the DVLA earlier in the year. The PCC also highlighted a recent blog on protecting Dorset businesses and ongoing work to improve outcomes in tackling shoplifting.

 

A review of mobile police stations had been completed, identifying areas for further consideration, with a further review requested following the busy summer period. Progress was also reported on the implementation of the High-Risk Victim Service, with future updates to be provided to the Panel.

The PCC outlined work to address substance misuse, including campaigns aimed at young people to raise awareness of the risks associated with ketamine, alongside continued lobbying for a change in its classification. Through Operation Scorpion, 92 arrests had been made and illegal drugs and weapons removed from the streets.

 

Members were also informed about support for domestic abuse victims through the provision of emergency “grab bags”, increased enforcement activity relating to waste crime and fly-tipping, and locally funded educational initiatives in schools to help prevent crime among young people. Reference was made to work supporting restrictions on smartphone use in schools, with 14 schools in Dorset having introduced a ban.

 

The PCC concluded by reiterating efforts to secure fairer funding for Dorset.

 

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority one – Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour (02:35:23 on the recording).

• Anticipated effect of hotspot action fund closure, future plans to sustain the positive effects that's had? 
• How does Dorset track against the national data in relation to vehicle crime and theft offences? 
• How does the prevention of escalating neighbourhood disputes feature within your Police and Crime Plan, and what strategic measures are you driving to address risks such as intimidation and criminal damage? 
• Can the commissioner provide an overview of what level of funding is attributed to the community initiative Operation Relentless; how much has been spent and on what? 
• With regards to escooters and bikes, the Force were considering trialling a scheme run in Manchester.  Is there any progress to report?  Also, how successful were the days of action at Kinson, and are the schemes going to be rolled out more widely? 

 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (02:56:50 on recording) and at appendix 1.

 

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

 

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority two – Make Policing More Visible and Connected (03:14:44 on the recording).

• What action is the PCC taking to ensure that policing has a digital evidence management system that is fit for purpose based on current technology  

 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (03:16:45 on recording) and at appendix 1.

 

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority three – Fight Violent Crime and High Harm (03:06:43 on the recording).

• There have been a recent number of sexual assault incidents in Bournemouth, on the seafront and associated areas.  What data does the Police have on these incidents? Do the stats follow a seasonal pattern with previous years or is there a spike in figures for this year?  To what extent is resourcing on proactive visible policing subject to a strategic assessment based on seasonal trend information? Can the PCC expand on the role of the dedicated VAWG officer with his team on horizon scanning and proactive work on sexual assault prevention? 

 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (03:08:25 on recording) and at appendix 1.

 

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority four – Cut Fight Rural Crime (03:24:34) on the recording

• The performance report refers to educating dog owners in relation to disturbance of animal stock. Can the PCC provide us with further data on number of reports and response? 

 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (03:25:08 on recording) and at appendix 1.

 

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority five – Put Victim and Communities First (03:32:07 on the recording).

• The effects of seasonality are happening in real time, with neighbourhood policing seemingly abstracted.  How is this being quantified so that impacts on neighbourhood policing can be assessed?  The intention from central government was that extra funding in neighbourhood policing should provide a dedicated resource. However, in practice is this resource being abstracted to meet seasonal demands? 
• Could details be given of data collected in relation to Op Ford? How many incidents have been logged in the last 12 months and is any action taken in relation to these cases other than recording the individual details? 

 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (03:34:32 on recording) and at appendix 1.

 

Questions from the Priority leads and Panel Members for Priority six – Make Every Penny Count (03:50:57 on the recording).

• Can the PCC provide an update on those grant funding issues that were unclear at the time of the precept meeting? 
• The absence rates for officers is noted.  Can the PCC provide detail of the impacts across the force and the extent that the impacts are on particular age profiles/ demographics/ roles?  How closely are the drivers for absence being assessed and what prevention measures are taken to the key issues identified?   As a point of clarity, do these absence rates include PCSOs?   
• Could the OPCC consider provider clearer breakdown of this headline figure on a regular basis 

 

Follow on panel questions and responses from PCC (03:52:01 on recording) and at appendix 1.