Elections for a Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey were held on 5 May 2016. The Panel will receive a formal introduction from the new elected Commissioner, David Munro.
Minutes:
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) gave a formal introduction to the Panel and an update on his future plans. The PCC paid tribute to the other candidates in the election, in particular he thanked his predecessor, Kevin Hurley.
2. The PCC explained that he looked forward to contributing and leading policing in Surrey, key to that would be his relationship with the future Chief Constable. The PCC informed the Panel the recruitment process for the future Chief Constable was well underway, in the meantime those in post in the Force’s senior leadership team will continue in their roles.
3. The PCC stated the underlying objective for the next four years is to make Surrey Police the best Police Service in the country. The PCC paid further tribute to Surrey Police Officers and Surrey Police staff for their hard work, professionalism and dedication.
4. The PCC introduced his six point crime plan to the Panel. The Police and Crime plan will follow the PCC’s campaign manifesto. The PCC gave a summary on each point.
· Cutting Crime and Keeping Surrey Safe-
· Tackling Rural Crime
· Making Our Town Centres Safe
· Supporting Victims
· Making Every Pound Count
· Tackling the Threat of Terrorism
5. The PCC believed that Surrey residents are well served by the plans and the resources in place regarding terrorism. This was a key priority for the PCC. The PCC raised a concern about sensitive information being released into the public domain and informed the Panel that he would make sure that sensitive information was kept out of the public domain.
6. A member of the Panel expressed concern with the Police moving resources towards cyber crime and away from the concerns raised by residents. The PCC stated that emerging crimes like cyber crime, do not require overt physical presence but are still a major threat to our community. The PCC explained that a balance between emerging crimes and residents concerns needed to be reached. The PCC explained that his plan would need to align and refocus with Surrey Police’s operational plan to ensure Surrey Police are more responsive.
7. A Panel member emphasised key concerns around the withdrawal and absence of PCSO’s across the county and the lack of police funding for CCTV in Runnymede. The PCC noted the importance of CCTV and said he would look into this matter. The PCC made reference to the Policing in your neighbourhood programme (PIYN), and was aware and concerned about the strain and stress on officers involved. The PCC notified the Panel that the programme will need a review certainly in terms of assessing whether the objectives of the programme have been met.
8. A Panel member stated that the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) programme was working well across the county and asked whether the PCC would support introducing this in Guildford. In addition the Panel Member queried the PCC’s views on the £100,000 capital expenditure available as stated by the previous PCC and if this could be used to train taxi drivers on child sexual exploitation. In principle, the PCC agreed with the concept of JET and has meetings lined up with Borough leaders to discuss introducing JET across the county. He stressed that JET would need to be tailored to local needs. In terms of funding, the PCC emphasised that he was only 5 days into his newly elected post and where money was awarded as grants, he would make sure it was used at its best advantage. The PCC does not doubt the growing concern of Childs sexual exploitation and assured the Panel, the idea to raise standards for drivers will be taken into consideration going forward.
9. One Panel member pointed out that there had been no mention of drugs and whether the PCC still views this as an increasing priority. The PCC noted that drugs are at the bottom of so much crime and anti-social behaviour and the issues surrounding it would be taken seriously. At this stage, the PCC stated that the area could be explored more at future Panel meetings.
10. The Vice Chairman referred back to the PCC’s mention of keeping certain information confidential and hoped that these issues would be discussed with the Panel in Part 2. Furthermore the Vice Chairman raised the matter of Surrey and Sussex’s Collaboration. The PCC responded that he is aware of the process of how to share information in Part 1 and Part 2 and plans to be open and honest with the Panel. With regards to the collaboration with Sussex, the PCC noted that he is keen to see this improve and become more refined, not to just save money but to provide better services to the public.
11. A member of the Panel expressed views on implementing the JET programme in Woking and stated that the town was currently working effectively but would like to be treated in parity with the JET programmes across the county. The Panel member emphasised that Woking’s crime levels had reduced in the town centre. In addition the Panel member commented on the concern with moving the Police back onto the streets at the expense of hidden crime like domestic abuse which is equally important. The PCC assured the Member that these concerns would be taken on board and assessed carefully.
12. A Panel member commented on the PCC’s predecessor having two colleagues who specialised working with victims of crime and the other on diversity issues. The Panel member asked if the PCC was planning to replace these positions. The PCC stated that he did not plan to appoint a deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPP,) but this could possibly change in the future. The PCC assured that there will be no radical change to the staffing structure of the OPCC currently in place. The Chairman stated that any changes to the OPCC team would be discussed at the next Panel meeting.
13. A member of the Panel queried the loss of firearms officers nationwide and asked the PCC to update the Panel on Surrey’s current position in relation to this. The Chairman proposed a report on this matter to prepared for the next meeting in July.The PCC noted the action and agreed to provide this for the July meeting.
Actions/ Further information to be provided:
· For a report on firearm officer recruitment and retention in Surrey Police to be added to the Panels agenda for 5 July 2016.