To consider the report of the Community Safety Partnership Co-ordinator.
Minutes:
Documents:
· Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Update
· CSP Priority Areas – Update
Discussion:
· The Safer Communities Programme was developed in response to the WAO’s review of Community Safety Partnerships
· The Welsh Government had also established a multi-agency review group which had influenced the Safer Communities programme
· Members commented that Police Community Safety Officers (PCSO) in other areas seemed to have more duties and authorities than those in the Dyfed Powys Police Force area. This role was very effective in communities.
· The CSP Co-ordinator informed the Committee that the duties were assigned by the Chief Constable but the Committee’s comments would be shared with the CSP
· The Rural Crime Partnership had both a Police Officer and PCSO representative
· It was suggested that the different models would be a useful topic for scrutiny to undertake and then discuss with the Chief Constable
· Initiatives in some wards saw the local County Councillor and PCSO visit wards to meet as many people as possible
· It was suggested that PCSOs in Wales should have the same role. However, the Dyfed Powys area was subdivided into four groups all of which had different priorities. The Local Authority also have to agree. It was noted that a considerable amount of work had been undertaking regarding the issue of dog fouling. Powys had wanted PCSOs to have powers to deal with enforcement. This had not been seen as a priority in the other three areas within the Force.
· Whilst there were many such arrangements across the County, Members queried the level of engagement with the CSP and what difference this made. The Rural Crime Partnership was a relatively new initiative. An increase in sheep theft and the launch of the Dyfed Powys Police Strategy and given impetus to the revival of the Rural Crime Partnership in 2017. This year a base line has been established through studying the Strategy and the results of the national rural crime survey. More recently a Police Officer has been nominated to the Partnership. The CSP Co-ordinator is developing a rural crime calendar and it is intended to be proactive. There are five Welsh priorities and further work will be undertaken on these. It was not yet clear what the impact of the RCP would be. The CSP Co-ordinator would prepare a briefing for the Members’ Bulletin.
· The Committee questioned whether there was sufficient expertise within the Force to enforce the law relating to wildlife protection and if this area was adequately resourced. Resourcing was probably insufficient but had improved. Natural Resources Wales, the Fire Authority and Brecon Beacons National Park all have appropriately qualified officers.
· The Co-ordinator was asked if Police Officers had the facilities to read tags on livestock being moved. Operation Jasper deals with this issue and Animal Health are also involved.
· Information was provided on County Lines ad cuckooing – this was a new way of bringing in drugs and was associated with high levels of violence and intimidation. An operation was undertaken during August which resulted in 19 custodial sentences. However, it is recognised that drugs are still being brought in to the County, but by more traditional methods.
· CCTV is being implemented across the County on a phased basis depending on finance. This had been installed in Builth Wells prior to the Royal Welsh Show.
· It was noted that the targets for road traffic accidents were not being met. This was a national issue and not just within Powys. It was acknowledged that roads could be safer but that this was a budget issue. It was suggested that driving skills should be improved. A Member had campaigned for graduated driving licenses which had proved effective in other countries in reducing accidents involving young people.
Outcomes:
· Models of use of PCSOs be considered for scrutiny and the Police and Crime Commissioner be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss the issue
· The CSP Co-ordinator to provide a briefing on the Rural Crime Partnership for the Members’ Bulletin
Supporting documents: