Agenda item

1.    The Commissioner provided a verbal overview of his written report on Kent Police’s response to Covid-19. He began by acknowledging the role many public services across Kent had played in responding to the demands of the pandemic. The Commissioner stated that the force’s overall response to changing guidance had been good and highlighted the role effective communication had played when updating front line Officers.

2.    The Commissioner affirmed that a policy of proportionate and reasonable policing had been operated throughout the pandemic. He informed the Panel that Kent Police had used the National Police Chiefs Council’s 4 Es (Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce) approach when dealing with members of the public. The Commissioner noted that the number of fixed penalty notices issued in relation to pandemic law enforcement had been stable prior to the second national lockdown, though added that the number of fixed penalty notices had doubled during the second lockdown.

3.    The impact of the pandemic on Kent Police’s staff was addressed by the Commissioner. He notified the Panel that the number of incidents where Officers had been spat at by members of the public had increased. The Commissioner informed the Panel that individuals had received short prison sentences as a result. Staff sickness rates were covered, it was noted that Kent’s rate of 2.5-3% during the pandemic compared favourably to a national average of 5.5% and a predicted rate of 15-20%.

4.    Recorded crime was addressed by the Commissioner. He confirmed that recorded crime had fallen during the first national lockdown and had since remained at a lower overall rate when compared to the same period in 2019. The Commissioner recognised that increases in Anti-social Behaviour and Domestic Abuse offenses had occurred during the pandemic.

5.    The Commissioner explained that the force control room had operated exceptionally. Demand on the service had increased as many members of the public shifted their contact with the Police online, though it was noted that this had the benefit of freeing up 999 and 101 lines.

6.    Regarding scrutiny, the Commissioner informed the Panel that Performance and Delivery Boards had continued, in an online format and that they remained open to the public. He confirmed that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) were due to publish a report in early 2021 analysing policing responses to the pandemic, which had involved multiple forces across the country.

7.    Members asked a range of questions in relation to the Police response to Covid-19. Key issues raised by the Panel and responded to by the Commissioner included the following:

·         What had been done to increase Covid-19 regulation enforcement in rural areas? The Commissioner drew attention to his previous remarks that the number of fines had doubled in the three weeks preceding the meeting. He added that £744,000 had been received from central government for the operation of further proactive patrols.

·         What occurred in the instance that emergency calls were not answered by the force control room? The Commissioner confirmed that calls were transferred to another force if unanswered, he noted that Kent Police also answered calls on the behalf of other forces, as was standard practice.

·         Whether there had been any Covid-19 outbreaks within Kent Police and if so, what effect that had. The Commissioner reassured the Panel that there had been no serious outbreaks, with instances few, low level and localised, which had made the impact on services manageable. He added that access to sufficient PPE and testing had aided resilience. It was noted that front line teams had been able to function at full strength throughout the pandemic.

·         Had there been a role for the Police in vaccination activities? The Commissioner stated that the Police had not been involved, though would be at the appropriate time. He added that there remained no immediate concern that a police response was required.

·         What lessons had been learnt during the first national lockdown and how had public communication been used, especially when addressing Domestic Abuse? The Commissioner confirmed that cooperation with local partners, which included Domestic Abuse services, charities and local authorities, on communications had been successful in raising awareness of Domestic Abuse. He noted that the Adolescent to Parent Violence Programme had highlighted an increase in intergenerational violence during the first lockdown. The Commissioner insisted that monitoring service demand with all partners was vital to ensure future resilience.

·         Whether future pandemic related challenges to Kent Police were anticipated. The Commissioner noted that the single local restriction tier categorisation in Kent had been beneficial to operations. He specified future changes in guidance and regulations as the foremost short-term challenges. It was acknowledged that Kent Police were prepared to adapt operations in the event of local restriction tier changes.

8.    Members thanked the Community Safety Unit (CSU) for their work and expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for contributing funding towards its operation.

RESOLVED that the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel note the report.