Agenda item

At the last Panel meeting it was agreed that the Panel would receive a presentation on PiYN to gain a better understanding of the new way of working for Surrey Police.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1. Assistant Chief Constable (ACC), Nev Kemp delivered a presentation on PiYN to allow members to gain a better understanding of the new ways of working for Surrey Police (attached at Annex 1).

2. Members noted that the Police Crime Commissioner’s enthusiasm for the JET (Joint Enforcement Team) programme and informed the Panel that funding may be available to other districts/boroughs who were considering starting JET teams.

3. It was explained that parking enforcement was the responsibility of the highways authority and this did not, except for exceptional circumstances, include involvement from Surrey Police. However the PCC was in the process of talking to Cabinet Member for Highways, Colin Kemp to scope whether there were ways of working better.

4. There was a discussion around the Drive Smart initiative and the Panel were advised that work was in progress to reinvigorate the programme to promote tackling road casualties and speeding.

5. In an effort to promote understanding at a local level, members requested officers to circulate the PiYN presentation attached at Annex 1. The ACC assured the Panel a copy would be distributed and welcomed feedback from members on the matter.

6. Members raised concerns with the lack of police presence and the ACC advised that resources were focused where there was greater risk, targeting resources where there was greater need. It was further explained to utilise officers’ time more effectively attendance at public meetings would be confirmed where there was a specific policing issue on the agenda. Police patrols would also be targeted i.e. in areas where there was an increase in burglaries.

7. The Assistant Chief Constable supported the view that work was required after a crime was reported with keeping victims informed on progress. The ACC assured members that considerable work was being carried out to improve this area. It was further explained that an engagement plan was in progress to develop better communication and provide assurance across the county.

8. The PCC informed the Panel that it was a statutory duty of the Police to take responsibility for victims and was also one of the key performance indicators that the Chief Constable was held account to. The PCC was pleased to see work in progress with an engagement plan to promote better practice.

9. Members expressed the view that there was still an issue in rural areas and not receiving efficient responses. The Assistant Chief Constable explained that both the 101 and emergency service was accessible and live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, assuring members the Police would be dispatched when needed.

10. It was noted that the Volunteer Police Cadets programme supported engagement with young people however a special constabulary was being addressed now which would engage with the wider community.

Peter Waddell left the meeting at 12.33pm

11. It was explained that there are three divisions, east, west and north, with a Chief Superintendent heading each division. It was further highlighted that each borough holds a Borough Inspector and officers are locally based and distributed.

12. The PCC encouraged members to contact Borough inspectors when a local policing issue needed attention, utilising their time more appropriately.

13. Members noted that operational activity flowed from the Police and Crime Plan, demonstrating that strategic aspirations are coming together from operational achievements.

14. The Assistant Chief Constable explained that the increased presence of armed officers in Surrey was the result of recent events in London and Manchester, making sure the Police give the public reassurance.

15. The PCC informed the Panel where there was a serious incident involving armed police there would be a pre plan community assurance plan in place. He suggested that, in spite of their weapons, members should see armed officers primarily as police officers, doing the same reassurance job as any others.

16. Officers agreed that language in the report should be made more user friendly as this would be made publically available.

Beryl Hunwicks left the meeting at 12.40pm

RESOLVED:

The Police and Crime Panel noted the presentation.

ACTIONS/FURTHER INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:

R8/17- For the PiYN presentation at Item 10 to be shared with Panel members so it can be forwarded onto district and borough colleagues.