Agenda and minutes

1.    In response to a question, the Commissioner explained that consideration of extending the Emergency Services Network for communications was still underway and that a further update could be provided later in 2017.

2.    The Commissioner explained that an update from Compass House on hard to reach or isolated groups would be provided. 

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 15 November 2016 were an accurate record and that they be signed by the Chairman and that the Commissioner provide an update on victim service contact with hard to reach and isolated groups.

The Panel is asked to note the following meeting dates for meetings in 2017/18:

2017:

17 February, 10am (reserved date)

28 March, 10am

20 July, 10am

28 September, 2pm

15 November, 10am

2018:

8 February, 10am

15 February, 10am (reserved date)

25 April, 10am

RESOLVED that the dates of meetings for 2017 be noted.

Police and Crime Plan

1.    The Panel were provided with the Commissioner’s draft Safer in Kent: The Community Safety and Justice Plan 2017-21 and budget, together with a report explaining the main themes of the draft Plan. The Panel noted that, although the draft Plan fulfilled the statutory requirement to publish a Police and Crime Plan, the Commissioner had chosen to call the document the Safer in Kent: The Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan. The Commissioner presented a report and Appendices which set out the draft Plan and the results of the Commissioner’s consultation on the draft Plan, proposed a precept and confirmed that the draft Plan took account of the Strategic Policing Requirement and of the views of other stakeholders. The report and Appendices also set out the Commissioner’s reasons for an increase in the precept of 3.3% and provided information about the medium term financial picture and use of reserves. The Commissioner’s report included a commentary by the Commissioner’s Chief Finance Officer.

2.    The Panel noted that the Commissioner had consulted widely in preparing the draft Plan and budget. The Panel noted that the priorities in the draft Plan included most of the topics mentioned as priorities in consultation. The Panel pointed out to the Commissioner that mental health had not featured strongly in the priorities identified in consultation but noted the Commissioner’s explanation that he considered this to be very important and that he wished to show leadership by including it in his priorities. The Panel noted those most of those consulted had been supportive of the proposal to increase the precept.

3.    The Panel noted that the Commissioner wished to emphasise the extended role of Commissioners in criminal justice and the links to community safety and for those reasons had decided on a broader title for the Plan.

4.    The Panel were pleased to note the extent of the Commissioner’s consultation and were supportive of the more strategic approach he had taken to the content of the plan, with emphasis on his personal responsibilities.

5.    The Panel sought clarification of the Commissioner’s intentions in respect of funding for Community Safety Partnerships and CCTV and noted that the Commissioner hoped to maintain grants to Community Safety Partnerships in future years but was unable to guarantee this if his own funding was reduced. The Panel noted the Commissioner’s view that other funding, for example through the Mental Health and Policing Fund he had set up, might be available for suitable projects by Community Safety Partnerships. The Panel noted the Commissioner’s view that CCTV funding was not a police responsibility.

6.    The Panel noted that the Police and Crime Act gave the Commissioner new responsibilities in a number of areas, including complaints against the police and noted that the Commissioner was considering the options and would bring a report to the Panel later in the year.

7.    The Panel sought clarification of the references to getting “the right support from the right person” in mental health cases and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 211.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the Commissioner's decisions.

1.    Panel members discussed the benefits of establishing a national association of Police and Crime Panels, recognising that it may offer an opportunity for greater lobbying power and information sharing.  However, members highlighted that existing links established via the regional Panel networks had proved useful and had the benefit of being more focused and productive, with concerns raised that a national association may lack direction and prevent consideration of more local factors.  Cllr Sloan and Mr Sandher both commented on the positive work they had observed at the regional network events and were supportive of maintaining Kent's commitment to this joint working.

RESOLVED that the Panel should not support the establishment of a national association but would explore other options to support improved joint working with other Panels.

RESOLVED that the Panel approves its annual report for 2016.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the work programme.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the minutes of the Governance Board meeting held on 7 November 2016.