To hear any announcements the Commissioner may have for the Panel.
Minutes:
The Chair invited announcements from the Commissioner who thanked the Panel for welcoming her to this first meeting and provided a overview of her past experience and policy commitments. The Commissioner explained that she was committed to being open and communicative, understood the value of partnership and looked forward to working alongside the Panel as a key stakeholder.
Members heard that the Commissioner had undertaken a crime survey, prior to being elected, which had received over 3000 responses. This survey had highlighted that policing visibility and police officer numbers were key public priorities and the Commissioner had sought assurance from the Chief Constable that efforts were on track to have 600 more police officers recruited by 2023. It was heard that Hampshire Constabulary had 5426 staff in total, including 3033 officers. Additionally the force had 185 voluntary special constables, and the Commissioner had met with the Constabulary to look at how these numbers could be increased.
The Commissioner advised Members that some high harm crime types had fallen in number over the last 12 months as a result of the pandemic, however those related to drugs, public order offenses and the carrying off offensive weapons had increased, and tackling this would be both an operational and strategic priority with funding being sought and provided by the Commissioner.
Members heard that the Commissioner had taken a seat on the Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), with a view to chairing the board. Criminal Justice was a key component of the role of the PCC and the Commissioner was seeking opportunities to meet with partners to explore and understand current issues, including court backlogs and rape conviction rates.
Other key priorities for the Commissioner would include tackling anti-social behaviour and rural crime, preventing young people from criminalisation and a review of the 101 service and estates strategy. Members heard that the Commissioner’s overarching vision was that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight would be two of the safest counties to live in and that these priorities would be outlined within the Police and Crime Plan, the draft of which would be brought to a future meeting of the Panel
The Commissioner further explained that she would focus on being highly visible to partners and to the public, helping residents to understand the value of the PCC role and what will be delivered for their precept contributions.
The Commissioner invited questions from Members and in response it was heard that:
· The Commissioner had identified and opportunity to greater engage residents in the value of the 101 service and had asked the Constabulary to identify means to utilise the Contact Management Platform (CMP) to provide feedback on actions taken to those who had reported crimes.
· The Commissioner would be working with local authorities to develop solutions for local safety and crime concerns.
· Whilst digital and social media engagement would be key in enhancing the PCC’s visibility to residents, other engagement opportunities were being planned for those who had restricted or no online access.
· Community Safety Partnership chairs and local cabinet members had and would be invited to attend local visits alongside the Commissioner. The Commissioner had also been engaging with district commanders from across the policing area, in order to better understand local issues and concerns.