Agenda item

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act (2011) places a duty on Police and Crime Commissioners to produce an Annual Report. Members of the Panel are asked to comment on the attached annual report prior to its formal publication.

Key Points raised during the discussion:

1. The PCC informed members that the annual report was still in draft and that there was intention to make it more user friendly for the public. The PCC was pleased with the progress made in meeting the Police and Crime Plan priorities, in particular areas which required improvement from the previous year.

2. The PCC indicated that there were areas of concern including police officer retention rates, the high risk from IT systems and the rise in burglaries across Surrey. The PCC assured the Panel resources would be targeted in these areas to tackle the problem.

3. Members commended the PCC for the progress and performance to date and queried whether the PCC had any thought to recalling retired police officers to assist with back office functions and investigations. The PCC noted this suggestion and assured the Panel that consideration would be given to this going forward.

4. It was noted that the PCC has held recent discussions with police colleagues about CCTV, there was currently no CCTV strategy in place.  He was aware that the matter would be discussed at a future meeting of Surrey Chief Executives.

5. The PCC agreed that the number of Special Constables had reduced but expressed eagerness to get numbers to a better position advising the Panel measures were underway to ensure rapid improvement. Currently training has been at capacity with new Police Officers which means training for Special Constables has had to be delayed.

6. Members were informed that there has been substantial improvement with the 101 service over the last year and that it would be watched carefully so that the current level of service would be maintained.

7. The Panel were advised that drones were an increasing feature for the police force as they were more cost effective and cheaper than acquiring helicopters.

8. It was noted that the Volunteer Police Cadets were exceeding expectations, with three more forces being recruited after the initial first three being set up. The PCC commended the willingness of police officers and staff who had taken the time to be instructors.

9. The PCC expressed the view that there was no strong connection between recruitment and retention, explaining to the Panel that generally no employee would be expected to stay with one employer and would naturally progress to another place to enhance their career.

10. The PCC could not comment on the switching off of street lights, explaining to members that this was a Surrey County Council (SCC) decision and that Surrey Police had not seen a rise in crime as a result. However the PCC welcomed any concerns regarding specific street lights which should be kept on, assuring the Panel these would be forwarded to the Highways authority for consideration. The PCC further informed members that he would not provide funding for keeping street lights on as this was a statutory responsibility of the Council.

11. It was noted that the statistics mentioned in the report were taken from the Surrey Resident Survey which is carried out independently on a quarterly basis used by both Surrey Police and SCC and could be accessed via the Surrey-i website.

12. It was explained that the 999 service was monitored very closely in particular the waiting times and the service delivered, members were assured that it was working well and that the 101 service was a work in progress.

13. Members questioned the PCC in relation to the closure of Police stations, in particular the station based in East Molesey and whether the PCC was satisfied with the current visibility of police presence in certain areas. The PCC advised that the closure of several police stations took place before the election and further advised that the estates strategy will endeavour to look into police buildings and how they would support the force going forward.

RESOLVED:

R7/17- For the PCP to write formally to the PCC on his annual report.

ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:

None.