Agenda and minutes

No declarations were made.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2020 were a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

1.    The Chairman introduced the item, the intention to scrutinise the proposed draft policing plan and to consider the need for the additional requested precept funds was made. It was confirmed that consideration of the Plan and Precept would be conducted in parts.

Policing Plan

2.    The Commissioner provided a verbal overview of the draft Safer in Kent Plan. He informed the Panel that policing through the pandemic had been the overall focus in the past year. It was noted that the October 2020 HMICFRS Covid-19 Inspection of Kent Police was not yet publicly available, initial feedback had cited the force as ‘exemplary and high-quality’.

3.    The past year’s crime trends and developments were detailed by the Commissioner. He confirmed that the total number of crimes had decreased by 18,000, the impact of the pandemic was acknowledged, though it was stated that it was not the only reason for the reduction. The Commissioner informed Members that the number of county lines in Kent had reduced from 90 to 59 and that two districts had been free of county lines for a period of at least three months. He added that town centre policing teams had become well established and dealt successfully with crime, antisocial behaviour (ASB) and cooperated with local charities. The Commissioner also advised of the newly formed Problem Solving Taskforce consisting of 24 PCSOs tackling persistent crime and ASB and that the road policing team had been expanded and rebranded as the road safety team to better reflect its work. In the Force Control Room, he reported that over 99% of 999 calls had been answered, with an average wait time under 10 seconds and that 101 call attrition had reduced from over 25% in his first year in office to less than 10% with an average wait time of less than 90 seconds. Concerns were raised by the Commissioner regarding the backlog and pace of cases progressing in the courts system.

4.    A verbal summary of the Policing Survey responses was provided by the Commissioner. He reminded the Panel that the survey had run for a shorter time than in previous years and had been available in an online format only, which had impacted the volume of responses. It was noted that there had been a decrease in the number of respondents who reported having been a victim of crime, a marginal drop in satisfaction with Kent Police, from those who had been victims of crime was also highlighted. The Commissioner stated that there had been little change in the policing priorities given by survey respondents.

5.    The grounds for extending the previous policing plan were outlined by the Commissioner. He confirmed that the policing priorities were to remain unchanged due to a continued high level of public support. It was noted that a deviation from the instituted policing priorities could negatively impact service delivery. The Commissioner asserted that the extension of the plan created consistency for Kent Police, given the postponement of the Police and Crime  ...  view the full minutes text for item 370.

1.    The Commissioner began his verbal update with an overview of national mental health developments. He reminded Members that the results of the inquiry he had launched to explore the impact of Covid on policing in terms of mental health demand had been published and was circulated to the Panel on 21 January. It was noted that the results had indicated no consistent findings or themes, which confirmed that the impact of the pandemic on police had been varied. The Commissioner added that in his capacity as the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ National Lead for Mental Health, he had briefed the Minister for Mental Health on the findings and noted their support. Confirmation was given that further research, into the impact of Covid related mental health demand, had been commissioned. The panel were informed that the Government had launched its consultation White Paper on reforming the Mental Health Act, the Commissioner outlined his role in providing recommendations.

2.    Addressing local developments, the Commissioner noted that the Mental Health Crisis Care Board had last met in October 2020 and that due to significant pressures on the NHS, the February meeting had been cancelled. Regarding Kent’s 4 Safe Havens, the Commissioner confirmed that he had met with the Kent Community Foundation, Hestia and community partners for a service update, recent attendance had been disappointing, though the impact of restrictions was acknowledged.

3.    The Chairman asked whether the low level of Safe Haven use had increased the burden on police in Kent. The Commissioner confirmed that the demand on police resulting from mental health issues and incidents had remained consistent over the past year, whilst the number of Section 136 detentions had decreased.

RESOLVED that the verbal update be noted.

Question 1:

Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 gives the police extensive powers to remove two or more trespassers residing on land where they have been asked to leave and where there is reasonable belief that damage has been committed or threats and abuse offered or there are six or more vehicles. Will the Police and Crime Commissioner call the Chief Constable to account for failure to apply these powers particularly having regard to the costs running into tens of thousands of pounds that District Councils are incurring in terms of clear ups and legal costs, the fact that the land is harmed and local people are denied the amenity of this land where it has been designated for public use and lawful sports and pastimes? 

(Ashley Clark – Canterbury City Council) 

Due to technical difficulties the Member was unable to participate in this part of the meeting; the Commissioner advised that he was still content to answer the question and invited the Member to make contact outside the meeting if he so wished to facilitate further discussion. He confirmed that at a meeting of Kent Leaders a memorandum of understanding had been drafted and agreed regarding inter-authority cooperation. No concerns were raised on the state of relationships between local authorities.

Question 2:

Can the Commissioner please indicate where the enforcement of illegal drug use sits within his priorities for local policing? 

(Mark Rhodes – Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council)

The Commissioner reassured the Panel that a robust approach was taken in tackling both illegal drug use and distribution. He asserted that tackling drug related crime wherever it takes place remained a priority. The work of the Operation Eminent team was highlighted. Related statistics for the past year were shared and included: 3,685 arrests; 511 warrants; 3,421 drug seizures and 1,825 weapon seizures.

Question 3:

In the last year, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the delivery of support and diversion activities funded through the PCC’s Safer Community Partnership grant.  This has further highlighted a challenge that pre-existed the pandemic.  The charities and activities the Maidstone CSP seeks to support, often highlight that the delivery of initiatives within a single financial year can be restrictive and does not allow for services to embed themselves within the borough.  For example they may build a relationship with a school but would need to withdraw if they can’t secure longer term funding.  The same issues have been noted in funding opportunities provided by the Kent Violence Reduction Unit.  Covid-19 has only exacerbated this as it has restricted access and has extended processes. Has consideration been given to providing funding that spans more than one financial year in order to support the implementation of more sustainable initiatives? 

(Fay Gooch – Maidstone Borough Council)

The Commissioner paid tribute to the Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) across Kent. He reminded the Panel that through his Crime Reduction Grants, CSPs, local authorities, charities, support services and the Kent Criminal Justice Board had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 372.

1.    The Commissioner gave his thanks to the Panel members, its officers and the officers within his office for their work over the past year. A tribute was made to Kent Police officers, staff and volunteers for their work, dedication and sacrifice.

RESOLVED that the report be approved.

1.    The Chairman reminded the Panel that the Work Programme covered the duration of the Commissioner’s term in office.

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

Please note the dates and times of the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel for 2021/22.  All meetings will begin at 10am. 

17 June 2021

7 September 2021

7 December 2021

2 February 2022

15 February 2022

16 June 2022

1.    The Chairman noted that no further meetings were scheduled before the May 2021, Police and Crime Commissioner election.

RESOLVED that the future meeting dates be noted.