Issue - meetings

Draft report from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for review by the Panel.

Considered –

The Commissioner’s draft Policing and Crime Annual Report 2020/21.

Following an introduction to the report by the Commissioner, Members raised a number of observations and questions generated by the content of the draft.  The key discussion points are summarised as follows:

·         Members commended the work undertaken in partnership between the Commissioner, Police, local councils and others in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and would like to see this close working continuing for the benefit of communities;

·         The Panel continues to have concern regarding the prevalence of drug crime, not only County Lines but also pervasive recreational drugs.  This concern is shared by the Commissioner and the Panel was advised that further resources will be allocated centrally in the autumn.

·         Members commended the introduction of a hate crime co-ordinator role within the force and the Commissioner agreed to provide a more comprehensive report for Panel on this role and how hate crime is being tackled.

·         The Panel would welcome more hard data in future annual reports to enable a clearer assessment of progress.  The Panel also suggested that biannual updates are taken on how the Commissioner feels progress is being made against the key objectives of the Police and Crime Plan.

·         Members underlined the importance of visible community policing and the role played by PCSOs. 

Resolved - that the following be referred to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration under his emergency delegated powers:-

That the Panel recommends that the draft Policing and Crime Annual Report 2020/21 be approved.