Agenda item

The Police and Crime Panel for Surrey scrutinises the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Surrey, Kevin Hurley.  The PCC published the Police and Crime Plan in March 2013.  This report provides the second quarterly update, from July 2013 to September 2013, on how the PCC is progressing against the plan.

The Panel commended the Commissioner for the number of community visits he had conducted. A Member queried whether the decrease in detection rates represented a downward trend. The Commissioner clarified that multiple cautions were no longer recorded as detected, and that this change in recording processes had led to it appearing like there was a decrease. The Panel asked whether the Commissioner was confident that the reporting systems were giving an accurate reflection of the situation in Surrey. The Commissioner reassured the Panel that there had been a number of investigations into the reporting systems and he was confident that these systems were robust.

The Panel discussed what measures were in place to tackle cyber-crime in the County. The Commissioner commented that the Deputy Commissioner was developing work in this area. The view was expressed that cyber-crime was a growing national concern, and that the Commissioner would work with other Commissioners to identify how it could be addressed strategically.

The Commissioner informed the Panel that the research paper from Oxford Economics was now being shared with Surrey’s MPs and other key stakeholders. The Panel challenged the Commissioner around his recent announcements indicating he was in favour of merging police forces, and asked whether he was accurately reflecting the wishes of Surrey residents. The Commissioner commented that he saw any potential merger as a long-term strategic goal, and an effective way of delivering better value for money. He reflected that it would be in the public interest to reduce costs. The Panel informed the Commissioner that the majority of its members were not in favour of the merger. However, the Chairman asked the Commissioner to note that the Panel did recognise and support the need for collaborative working.

The Commissioner updated the Committee regarding the sale of police stations. It was highlighted that the decision to delay the sale had made a saving due to the rising price of property, and that Surrey Police were now exploring options in relation to planning permissions.

The Panel asked how confident the Commissioner was that the zero tolerance agenda was being implemented and what measures were in place to track progress. The Commissioner commented that he would expect to see a reduction in crime as a key outcome of this approach. The Panel challenged him as to whether low-level offences were being picked up as part of this approach. The Commissioner agreed that further work needed to be done to consider how zero tolerance was implemented and recorded in relation to minor offences.

The Commissioner was asked by the Panel whether he had areas of particular concern. He highlighted tackling drugs in school and cross-border responses, but also stated his confidence in the measures already in place. One Member asked if there was potential for those at risk of rural crime to be equipped with radios; the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that this was a possible area for future exploration.

The Commissioner informed the Panel that the money reclaimed through the Proceeds of Crime Act was being used to increase visible street policing.

The Commissioner stated the view that the rise in serious sexual crimes was a result of people having an increased confidence in reporting these crimes.

Resolved:

·         That the Panel note the report.

·         That the Police & Crime Commissioner provide an update to the Police & Crime Panel on attempts to combat cyber-crime in Surrey.