Agenda item

1.    The Commissioner gave an update on the work underway to action the recommendations of his Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Inquiry report. He reminded the Panel of the extensive public interest in the Inquiry, with over 8000 responses to its survey. He drew Members’ attention to the key findings of the big data exercise which analysed Kent Police victim and offender profiles and trends, concluding that 10% of perpetrators caused 63% of harm. He noted that the findings had been helpful in identifying high harm individuals and targeting patrols on VAWG hotspots. Regarding performance, he committed to continue using the Performance and Delivery Board and his chairmanship of Kent Criminal Justice Board, alongside performance monitoring by his Office, to improve outcomes for female victims and reduce VAWG. It was confirmed that residents’ views and priorities for tackling VAWG would continue to be received through the Commissioner’s Annual Policing Survey. Concerning advice and signposting, he explained that Collaborate Digital had been commissioned to create age-appropriate messaging on appropriate interactions, changing behaviours, relationships and online harms, which supplemented the schools intervention programme delivered by the St Giles Trust. He introduced his Victims Voice campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of victims’ rights and concluded by acknowledging that reducing VAWG was not exclusively the responsibility of the police, with collaboration with councils and the Violence Reduction Unit vital.

2.    Following a question from a Member, the Commissioner explained that harm was calculated using the Cambridge Harm Index. He added that the formula enhanced the force’s ability to target the offenders who caused the most harm.

3.    A Member asked that a greater focus be place on focus groups and qualitative victim feedback rather than big data exercises, when understanding victim experiences. The Commissioner responded by explaining that the purpose of the big data exercise was to gain a broad understanding of how key offenders were handled by Kent Police, as well as victim experience. He agreed that victims’ experiences and views of the justice system were important. He reminded Members that holding the wider justice system to account was a commitment he made in his Police and Crime Plan, with it noted that further powers to scrutinise the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) would be welcomed.

4.    The Commissioner reassured the Panel, following a question from a Member, that his Victim Voice campaign as well as Kent Police’s continued use of the early advice line would further improve victims’ support and satisfaction. 

5.    A Member asked what additional resources had been allocated to tackle VAWG in Medway. The Commissioner confirmed that Medway, along with Maidstone and Thanet were beneficiaries of Safer Streets funding and that the police resource allocation was influenced by demand. He summarised the collaborative work with Medway Council as part of the Safer Streets initiative.

6.    Following a question from a Member, the Commissioner confirmed that not all areas were eligible to receive investment from the Safer Streets Fund and that areas with the highest concentration of specific crime types were the focus. He reminded members that Community Safety Units (CSUs) continued to receive grant funding from his Office.

RESOLVED to note the report and agree to a further update at the June 2023 meeting.