Agenda and minutes
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Contact: Victoria White or Andrew Baird
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The Chairman to report apologies for absence. Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Borough Councillor Victor Broad, Independent Member Anne Hoblyn and District Councillor Ken Harwood.
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MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
To approve the minutes of the meeting held on (5 February 2015) as a correct record. Additional documents: Minutes: The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members of the Panel in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: An interest was declared by Independent Member of Bryan Cross who is Secretary of Woking Football Club which is the venue for Woking Junior Citizens programme.
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PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To receive any public questions.
Note: Written questions from the public can be submitted no later than seven days prior to the published date of the annual or any ordinary public meeting, for which the Commissioner will be invited to provide a written response by noon on the day before the meeting, which will be circulated to Panel Members and the questioner. Additional documents: Minutes: None received. |
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PREVENTING CYBER CRIME IN SURREY
The purpose of this report is to update the Panel on work being undertaken by the Police and Crime Commissioner to help prevent Surrey residents and businesses becoming victims of cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crime.
Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) introduced the report stressing the need to take a robust approach to tackling the growing problem of cyber crime. Statistics were quoted which highlight the scale and prevalence of cyber crime in Surrey and the effect that it can have on residents and businesses in the county. The Panel was advised that the decision has been taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to create a dedicated Cyber Crime Prevention team and that the creation of this unit builds on work already undertaken by Surrey Police to educate young people on the dangers of cyber crime including in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools to tackle the growing issue of online bullying. The DPCC also emphasised the importance of educating children in online safety not just for their own protection but also as because they will often pass on what they have learned to their parents.
· Members inquired about the funding for the Cyber Crime unit and queried why the new team is being funded by money originally allocated to the Surrey Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT). The DPPC indicated that £430,000 from the DAAT became available to Surrey Police following the dismantling of the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). A substantial portion of this funding has been given to the Health and Wellbeing Board but that it was felt that the remaining funds would be well-used in setting up a Cyber Crime Prevention team.
· The Panel suggested that the volume of cyber crime taking place necessitates a coordinated national response and that it would be difficult for the OPCC to operate an effective cyber crime unit. Panel members further highlighted that, with resources already stretched, establishing a dedicated cyber crime unit would put further strain on these limited resources. The DPCC advised that much of the unit’s work will be educating residents and businesses on how to avoid falling victim to online criminals. It is anticipated that working in conjunction with Surrey Police’s existing cyber crime unit as well as with private and public sector partners, a small amount of investment from the OPCC could dramatically reduce the number of people who become victims of cyber crimes due to the fact that 80% of cyber crimes can be prevented simply by individuals taking more care when they are online. The DPCC also stressed that the police have a duty to investigate all crimes and that by creating a dedicated cyber crime unit Surrey Police will be able to carry out investigations, work to recoup money for victims who have been defrauded and generally support victims of cyber crime.
· Panel members asked whether publishing data on the number of cyber crimes in Surrey as part of the main crime statistics would provide a more accurate picture of the scale of crime in the county. The DPCC advised the Panel that the decision has been taken to report cyber crime data separately from traditional crime statistics as it ... view the full minutes text for item 5/14 |
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POLICE AND CRIME PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
The Police and Crime Panel for Surrey scrutinises the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Surrey, Kevin Hurley, overseeing progress against the published Police and Crime Plan.
In March 2015 the PCC reviewed and updated the Police and Crime Plan to put additional focus on:
· Improving funding for Surrey Police · Joint Enforcement and Joint Working · Embedding victim services and developing support for children · Roads Policing · Counter Terrorism
Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The PCC highlighted some key points from the Police and Crime Plan Quarterly report to the Panel. In particular, the PCC emphasised a joint initiative being piloted in Reigate and Banstead between the police and the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) to tackle organised crime in the Borough. Members were also informed that progress is being made to roll out the JET programme in Elmbridge.
· Information was requested by Members on the delivery of support services to victims of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) with particular reference to the length of time that victims have to wait before they receive counselling. The PCC indicated that victims of CSE should receive support from Police Officers or counsellors within a day of reporting the offence. It was also highlighted that Surrey now recognised as the best County in the country for delivering specialised support for victims of sexual offences.
· The theatre production ‘Chelsea’s Choice’ was also highlighted to the PCC as a powerful means of raising awareness of issues surrounding CSE and the Panel asked whether steps are being taken to allow more people in Surrey to see this play. The PCC advised that plans are in place to show the production more widely and in particular the OPCC are working to develop a consistent approach to showing ‘Chelsea’s Choice’ to children next year.
· Members drew attention to problems with the community speed watch programme which doesn’t enable volunteers to take action against anti-social driving. The DPCC confirmed that this problem is recognised but that, at present, the facilities are not in place to allow volunteers to act against offenders. The Panel was advised, however, that steps are being taken to improve road safety in Surrey including the allocation of an additional £35,000 for Safe Drive, Stay Alive to ensure that it is seen by more people in the county.
· The PCC was asked to provide clarity on measures being taken by the police to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs in schools. The Panel was given a brief overview of Surrey Police’s strategy for tackling this issue with specific mention of plans being developed that would enable officers to grant immunity against prosecution for pupils caught dealing drugs in exchange for information about those supplying the drugs further up the chain. Panel members were also informed that discussions are taking place with other forces in the South East around creating a facility which allows pupils to anonymously name friends or peers that they suspect of selling drugs. The PCC did, however, stress that the loss of Community Safety Officers as a result of budgetary restrictions has placed limitations on the capacity of the police to get into schools and work with and educate children about drugs.
· Concern was expressed by members of the Panel regarding the organisation of the PCC’s Crime Summits with particular reference to the Summit in Woking. It was communicated to the PCC that it was felt there was a perceived lack of ... view the full minutes text for item 6/14 |
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The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, Kevin Hurley, holds bimonthly management meetings with the Chief Constable, Lynne Owens and appropriate members of her senior team. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The PCC gave a brief introduction to the report highlighting some of the key issues which have been discussed with the Chief Constable. Specifically, the PCC emphasised to the Panel that there has been a sharp reduction in the number of burglaries in the county as well as drawing attention to the introduction of a new ethical crime recording policy which has been widely praised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies (HMIC). Members were also informed that discussions have also focussed ways of reducing the turnover of police officers and staff.
· Concern was expressed by the Panel with the continued poor performance of the 101 service and the PCC was asked to clarify what measures are being taken to improve its performance. It was advised that a number of steps have been taken to improve the 101 service including the introduction of a new computer system. Members were further informed that police officers have been issued with tablets allowing them to access information and call in support while on the beat without the need to go through operators. This also frees up the time of people in the control room. The DPCC indicated that there have been a few glitches with this system which has caused some problems and so discussions are ongoing with the contract holding company to eliminate them. Panel members requested that a detailed report be brought to the Panel regarding the 101 service and what efforts are being made to improve the performance of this service.
· The DPCC also agreed to provide a report to the Panel on the Police cadet force to find out how this is working in Surrey.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Panel noted the report. ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
1. The OPCC to report to the Panel on efforts being made to improve the 101 service.
2. The OPCC to provide a report to the Panel on the progress of the Police Cadet force in Surrey. PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None
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PEEL ASSESSMENT UPDATE
The purpose of this report is to update the Police and Crime Panel on action taken following the publication of the first PEEL assessments in November 2014. A more comprehensive report will be given at the next meeting of the Panel on Tuesday 9 June 2015.
Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The Panel drew attention to HMIC’s PEEL Assessment which found that improvements are needed in how Surrey Police investigates crimes as well as in the support it provides for victims. The PCC was asked whether work done by the APCC on commissioning victims’ services will be recognised in the feedback from the HMIC’s April assessment. The PCC advised Members that he anticipates receiving much improved feedback from HMIC regarding the delivery of victims’ services. It was highlighted that many of the problems highlighted by the PEEL Assessment stemmed from vacancies in the public protection team but that this had been resolved by compulsory postings to this team. RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None
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DEPUTY AND ASSISTANT POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONERS' OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The report sets out details of the work that Jeff Harris, Shiraz Mirza and Jane Anderson have been undertaking and the outcomes they have achieved since the meeting of the Police and Crime Panel on 5 February 2015. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The DPCC was asked inform the Panel of the latest developments related to introducing the Junior Citizens programme in Mole Valley. Panel members were advised that regrettably little progress has been made in extending the initiative out to the remaining 5 Districts and Boroughs despite the limited costs associated with implementing the initiative. The DPCC highlighted that he looks forward to hearing from officers in Mole Valley about bringing the programme to this District. Members of the Panel reiterated the importance of the Junior Citizens programme in educating children on important safety issues, a sentiment which was echoed by the PCC.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Panel noted the report.
ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None
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BUDGET QUARTERLY UPDATE
To consider the budget update of Surrey Police and the Office of the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The Panel asked why there had been such a significant overspend in the external audit costs against the allocated budget. The Treasurer and Chief Finance Officer of the OPCC (TCFO), advised that this overspend is a result of an additional £42,500 that the OPCC have paid to external auditors to analyse spending on the SIREN programme.
· More information was requested on by the Surrey Police element of the PCC’s budget has such as significant underspend for 2014/15’. The TCFO indicated that a total underspend of £800,000 is anticipated for 2014/15 the majority of which stems from staff vacancies being held by Surrey Police.
· The TCFO was asked to elaborate on the ill heath reserve which is at almost £2 million in it. It was highlighted that police officers who retire due to ill health are not covered by the pension scheme and so Surrey Police are liable for meeting the costs of these officers’ pension funds. Panel members were also advised that an employment retention reserve has also been created to improve remuneration for police officers and staff to avoid them being lost to other forces.
· The Panel asked whether any applications have been made to the Home Office for special grant funding to cover investigations into historical crimes such as Deepcut or the murder of Milly Dowler. The PCC highlighted that investigations into historical crimes are not covered by the special grant funding. Members of the Panel were further informed that there are strict rules governing eligibility for special grant funding. Specifically, an application can only be made for costs already incurred and a force has to have paid out 1% of their entire budget before they can are eligible for the grant.
· Discussions also took place regarding the letter that the Panel sent to the Home Office and copied to all Surrey MPs which detailed the underfunding of Surrey Police and requested that the police funding formula be reviewed to ensure that Surrey Police receives fairer funding. It was highlighted that two of Surrey’s MPs had replied to the letter, both of whom indicated that they will follow this issue up with the Home Office. Panel members also drew attention to certain elements of the letter which indicated that a review of the Police Allocation Formula by the Home Office is already underway. The letter indicates that the first phase of the review, an internal analytical review, is near completion. RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Panel noted the report. ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None
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COMPLAINTS RECEIVED SINCE THE LAST MEETING
To note complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner received since the last meeting of the Police and Crime Panel. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
None
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Panel noted the report. ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None
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RECOMMENDATIONS TRACKER AND FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME
To review the Recommendations Tracker and Forward Work Programme. Additional documents: Minutes: RECOMMENDATIONS TRACKER AND FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME [Item 12]
Key points raised during the discussions:
· Members requested the addition of an item to the forward work programme on the operational changes which will occur as a result of the 2015/16 budget.
· A verbal update on Surrey Police’s estate was requested by the Panel.
· The PCC was informed that items have been agreed for the Police and Crime Panel in June which includes a report on the OPCC complaints process, an overview of the Crime Summits, as well as a fuller report on the outcome of the 2015 PEEL Assessment. RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Panel noted the documents. ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
That the following be added to the Forward Work Plan:
· The operational changes which will occur as a result of the 2015/16 budget.
· A verbal update on Surrey Police’s estate.
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VERBAL UPDATE ON ON ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS INCLUDING DEEPCUT
Verbal strategic update on ongoing investigations including Deepcut. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussions:
· The PCC mentioned the investigation into the murder of two Surrey residents in France and advised that there has been an overhaul of the team in France leading the investigation and that Surrey Police are continuing to work closely with their colleagues in France. The PCC also highlighted that he has met with the victims’ brother who is no longer considered a suspect.
· Panel members asked whether there was any possibility of widening the scope of the investigation into Deepcut to explore all of the deaths which took place at the barracks. The PCC highlighted that this is a matter for the Coroner although they are currently exploring whether or not they will be able to investigate all deaths simultaneously.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None
ACTIONS/ FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
None
PANEL NEXT STEPS:
None
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DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will be held on Tuesday 9 June at 10.30 am. Additional documents: Minutes: It was noted that the next meeting of the Police and Crime Panel will take place on 9 June 2015.
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