Key
Points raised during the discussion:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.