Agenda item

For the Panel to raise any issues or queries concerning crime and policing in Surrey with the Commissioner.

Witnesses:

David Munro - Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner

Key points raised in the discussion:

1.    Councillor Bob Milton - Question submitted in advance:

We are seeing a perfect storm fuelled by the easing of lockdown restrictions after months of frustration, a growing sense of social and economic injustice, continued tensions over Brexit that could well flare up again later this year and a spotlight on racial discrimination under the Black Lives Matter banner, including a high risk of action by right-wing groups. Therefore:

a.    Is the PCC satisfied that Surrey Police are prepared to deal with this 'perfect storm' and what specific action is the PCC taking to support the Chief Constable during a period of likely unprecedented demand on policing? 

b.    What action is the PCC taking to ensure that diversity issues and the risk of racial discrimination within Surrey Police are being fully addressed?

In response the PCC explained that he did not believe there was a ‘perfect storm’ as he was satisfied that the force was in a good position to react to the continuing tensions as a result of Brexit, the current protests and the easing of lockdown restrictions. He noted that the force was continuing to monitor the tensions around Brexit which could flare up after the UK’s formal transition out of the European Union. He noted there had been several demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, in which the public had a right to demonstrate. He commented that Surrey Police were well-trained and had handled the protests well - including Extinction Rebellion (XR) protests too - as the majority of people were compliant with the two-metre social distancing rule.

The PCC commented that Surrey Police were seeing some short-term pressures due to an unprecedented volume of people and minimal social-distancing at beauty spots and recreational areas such as Frensham Great Pond, Box Hill and Windsor Great Park. In those areas Surrey Police were operating under a firm but cooperative policy, issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) where necessary. He commented that he had asked Surrey Police to have contingency plans for the re-opening of pubs and some other venues on 4 July, noting that police chief officers stated that easing restrictions on a Saturday was a concern.

The PCC stated that he was supporting the Chief Constable by commending him and Surrey Police for their continued hard work during the current climate, whilst continuing to hold him to account regarding operational matters.

The PCC emphasised that diversity issues and addressing racial discrimination were very important. Out of the nine protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010, Surrey Police were not as diverse in terms of race and were taking the opportunity to recruit more from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) demographics through Operation Uplift - additional 20,000 police officers across the UK pledged by the government and social media campaigns. The PCC noted that although the force had never been so diverse, it continued to encourage and diversify its recruitment through specialist teams and both he and the Chief Constable were committed to greater diversity.

2.    Vice-Chairman:

a.    What priority does the PCC give to supporting Surrey Police in tackling the recent incidents in organised car racing events on Surrey highways e.g. on the A24 near Dorking?

b.    What are the policies and criteria around the greater use of dispersal orders issued by Surrey Police in recent weeks under Section 35 of the of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, allowing the police to ask people to leave an area due to anti-social behaviour?

In response to the Vice-Chairman, the PCC agreed that since the easing of the lockdown restrictions there had been issues of speeding on the A24 north and south of Dorking. The Roads Policing unit was aware of the irritation to residents and was taking the matter seriously and the PCC would be talking to the Head of Roads Policing later in the week.

The Vice-Chairman responded that the organised car racing events on Surrey highways were more than just an irritation as residents were extremely concerned and alarmed.

The PCC responded that he would provide fuller detail on the use of dispersal orders. He highlighted the Community Trigger initiative which under certain circumstances an individual can apply for support via their local council and request help in relation to anti-social behaviour offences. It was a powerful tool but was underused and underappreciated by residents and the PCC noted that he was looking to publicise it more widely.

RESOLVED:

Panel members put their questions to the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Actions/Further information to be provided:

R24/20 - The PCC will provide detail on the policies and criteria regarding dispersal orders issued by Surrey Police in recent weeks under Section 35 of the of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.