Minutes:
(1) Mr Fuller gave a presentation during which he highlighted the key operational areas which Kent Police was focusing on across the county. These areas included, continuing to develop neighbourhood policing policies, working with partners and communities on initiatives aimed at reducing harm to minority communities or those who are vulnerable to extremism, and developing local initiatives such as the new neighbourhood task teams These will have the specific task of addressing issues such as anti social behaviour and providing dedicated support to neighbourhoods and in partnership with local people tackling anti social behaviour hotspots and dealing with hard to shift problems.
(2) Mr Fuller also spoke about the levels of crime and disorder and said that in the last financial year there had been some 15,133 less crimes compared to the previous year which was a reduction of 10.3%. Also there had been 2,566 less incidents of anti social behaviour which was a reduction of 2.8%. Since the start of this financial year, Kent had had 4,773 less crimes (a reduction of 8.2% and this included 253 less house burglaries; 783 less vehicle crimes; 855 less violent crimes; 948 less acts of criminal damage; and some 7, 675 less incidents of anti social behaviour which totalled a reduction of 15.6%. (note: the crime statistics are for the period April to August 2008. The ASB statistics are for the period April to September 2008)
(3) With the success of the neighbourhood task teams the Kent Police Authority in February 2008 approved a significant growth bid for a task team to be created within each Basic Command Unit, with each Team consisting of one Sergeant and five Constables. A review of these task teams would be undertaken to enable the Police Authority to make an informed decision on a further growth bid for a team to be based within each district.
(4) Mr Fuller said that there had been a reduction across the county in the number of violent crimes, but more needed to be done in order to bring those figures down still further. Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology was now widespread throughout the county and that had played a significant part in reducing overall levels of crime. The main challenge currently facing the Force was to address quality of life issues and to tackle anti social behaviour.
(5) Mrs Barnes said that the Police Authority was investing some £25m in neighbourhood policing and if and when resources allowed the aim was to have one neighbourhood task team deployed in every district. In response to a question Mrs Barnes gave credit and paid thanks to the work which was being undertaken by the 100 KCC wardens which were deployed across the county and said the Wardens were greatly valued as part of the wider police family. Mr Fuller said that he met with the Wardens regularly and the work which they did within their communities was invaluable. In answer to other questions, Mr Fuller said that the Kent Force had received top ratings from both the Audit Commission and through the Police Inspection system for the way it effectively used its resources. He also spoke about the importance of developing and using new technologies in order to bring about further increases in efficiency. Mr Fuller also said that whilst it was important that the Police worked with local communities to reduce crime and the fear of crime, nonetheless his Force was continuing its success in addressing and solving major crime.
(6) At the close of discussion, Mr Carter placed on record his thanks to Mrs Barnes and Mr Fuller for attending the meeting and for updating Members on the current policing issues which they were dealing with. Mr Carter also placed on record the County Council’s total support to Kent Police in its fight against crime and the causes of crime.