Agenda item

1.    The Commissioner introduced her third draft refreshed April 2013 – March 2017 Police and Crime Plan and Precept Proposal for 2016/17. There was an expectation set out within the plan of how the Force should work with partners to deliver the priorities. The plan had been kept under review with small changes made as appropriate throughout the year. Page 39, Appendix B, provided a summary of the main changes to the plan. 

2.    The Commissioner referred to Compass House, in Ashford, which opened in April 2015 and was a blueprint for delivering victim services. This year had seen the launch of a new multi-agency team to combat child sexual exploitation (CSE). This affected some of the most vulnerable people in society and there was a specific expectation to protect children in care and unaccompanied asylum seeking children. The Force remained committed to tackling cyber-crime, human trafficking and modern slavery. The Commissioner had signed up to an anti-trafficking network and there was also an emphasis on protecting the public from harm and preventing extremism and radicalisation. 

3.    A Member asked about the Prevent agenda, the Commissioner confirmed that she was keeping a close eye on the relevant boards to ensure partners continued to engage and work together.

4.    A Member raised the issue of restorative justice, which was considered to help prevent crime. In response, the Commissioner confirmed that she would consider including this within section 4.3 – Prevent crime, anti-social behaviour and reduce repeat victimisation and offending, of the draft plan.

5.    In response to a question about expectations on the Force to tackle the issues within the plan, the Commissioner explained that the Force were already tackling the issues, funding was being put into appropriate areas and the Commissioner was working with colleagues picking up good practice. Kent Initiatives were also being rolled out nationwide.

6.    One Member raised his concern about organised crime and the effect of burglary etc. on victims. The Commissioner explained that in the past organised crime had primarily been the work of the Serious Crime Directorate, however there was now a duty on forces to cascade knowledge to the frontline and neighbourhood officers are aware and focussed on reducing organised crime within their neighbourhoods. 

7.    There was a discussion around the recent events in Dover. The Commissioner confirmed that the Chief Constable was responsible for the operational response, but Dover had proved to be a difficult policing operation. Kent Police had a duty to facilitate a peaceful protest and during the detailed planning process there had been no legal reason to ban the protest. The Commissioner praised the work of Dover District Council which had been fantastic, and said that there would be a detailed post review which would be made public. The Commissioner said that she had visited Dover and there had been universal condemnation amongst local people of the protesters’ actions and universal support for the police and the council. Concerns were raised about the speed of the review and the Commissioner confirmed that the review would be done quickly and thoroughly. 

8.    A Member asked whether public order should be included within paragraph 4.5 - Protect the Public from Harm. The Commissioner explained that £2million had been earmarked for public order and there was currently nothing within the law that could have prevented the protest. The Commissioner said she would write to the Policing Minister to explain the dangers of allowing two events in the same location on the same day. 

9.    In response to a question about firearms capacity, the Commissioner explained that the Home Secretary expected forces to increase their firearms capacity by up to 50% so Kent Police would need an additional 37 officers. The proposed increase in precept would pay for 24 of the additional officers, but funding would still need to be found for training, equipment etc.

10. A Member asked what the Commissioner would like to see achieved from the plan before the election in May 2016. The Commissioner stated that she would like to see a reduction in crime and fewer victims of crime. Kent’s crime had decreased by 3% whilst Hampshire’s had increased by 26%. Violence against the person had increased in Kent by 8% but had increased in Hampshire by 70%. Domestic violence reporting had increased however secondary reporting had decreased. The Commissioner said that she would like more work on CSE and a focus on human trafficking and modern slavery.

11. A Member asked whether ‘public space protection order’ should be included within the plan, the Commissioner confirmed that she would consider it.

RESOLVED that the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel approve the Commissioner’s Draft Refreshed Police and Crime Plan for 2016/17.