Agenda item

This report sets out details of the work that Jeff Harris, Shiraz Mirza and Jane Anderson have been undertaking and the outcomes they have achieved. 

The Panel felt that it was not appropriate for neither the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) or Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for Victims (APCC) to not be in attendance, particularly when items which related to their work were being considered.

·         Members questioned the work of the APCC for Equality and Diversity as they felt that the work was very generic and could relate to all the residents rather than just minority groups, and queried whether there had been a rise in the recruitment of BME. The Commissioner informed the Panel that his role was very different from that of the Police Authority and he would not be able to engage with all residents on his own. Due to the work of the APCC for Equality and Diversity the Commissioner stated there was now better communication between the Police and minority groups, with these groups now feeling as though they can raise their concerns. This work had been well received and the APCC was now working at Crawley Mosque to improve relations with Sussex Police.

·         The Commissioner informed the Panel that he was looking to encourage taxi drivers as a mobile Neighbourhood Watch as they were out at all hours of the day and across the county.

·         Members raised concerns that while the APCC for Equalities and Diversity was visible within the community, the APCC for Victims was not. The Commissioner felt that the APCC for Victims was visible in the courts and victims services units across the county, which was where her work was focussed.

·         The Commissioner informed the Panel that the DPCC was scrutinising the business cases for amalgamation of services with Sussex Police to ensure the process was effective. Additionally, the DPCC’s involvement in the review of the disposal of assets would cause an estimated additional £1million of revenue, by thinking more strategically about what buildings need to be kept.

·         The Junior Citizens Scheme was being developed with six boroughs and districts involved. However for the other five there was an issue of cost, however the DPCC had been able to agree Epsom Racecourse as a venue and was looking into funding to enable the other boroughs and districts to be involved in the scheme.

·         Members suggested that the Outcomes section of the reports should contain examples of the DPCC and APCCs work to better explain what they had done so as to enable to the Panel to better evaluate their work.

·         The Commissioner stated that he had seen the APCC for Victims in action and found her to be very competent at raising concerns and questioning the organisations. He further stressed that he would look into having her attend a future Panel meeting.

·         The APCC for Equalities and Diversity informed the Panel that he was working to assure Officers that minority groups were on their side and wanted a proactive force.

RESOLVED: That,

1.    The report be noted.

2.    The Police and Crime Commissioner consider the level of detail provided in the Outcome section of the performance monitoring tables, to help improve the Police and Crime Panel’s understanding of the Deputy and Assistant Police and Crime Commissioners’ work.