Agenda item

Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) are under a duty to produce a Community Safety Plan to formulate and implement a strategy to reduce crime and disorder, combat substance misuse, and reduce re-offending.

This report provides information on the operation of the CSP from October 2019, which summarises the findings of the strategic assessment. This report provides information on the Community Safety Plan covering the period from 2020 to 2024.

Discussion:

The Chairman welcomed the partners of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to the meeting.

The Committee discussed the following topics:

• Anti-social behaviour (ASB)

-       Increase in ASB - A Member referred to the 59% increase in incidents of ASB between April 2020 and March 2021 and requested the reason for this increase.

Superintendent Marsh advised that this reporting period covered the Covid-19 lockdowns and during this period, the Police had received an increased number of calls relating specifically to breaches of Covid rules. He reminded the Committee that one incident of ASB could generate multiple calls.

Superintendent Marsh was confident that the next reporting period would show a decrease in incidents of ASB. Superintendent Marsh gave an assurance that ASB remained a priority for the Police and that work undertaken by the Task Force in Gillingham had successfully reduced levels of ASB in this area of Medway.

-       Comparisons with other areas for levels of ASB - A Member sought clarification as to where Medway was ranked when compared to other area for incidents of ASB. Superintendent Marsh advised that Medway ranked the highest for levels of ASB in Kent when compared to other districts but confirmed that Medway was resourced to reflect this. He was satisfied that in the next reporting period, levels of ASB would reduce to levels previously seen prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Marsh also advised that Kent Police was one of the top Police forces in the Country for the way in which crimes were recorded and therefore, this reflected in the crime statistics for the area.

-       ASB during the Christmas/New Year Period – In response to a question, Superintendent Marsh advised that it was anticipated that there would be increased numbers of people celebrating during the Christmas/New Year period and, as a result, there would be increased night time patrolling. He informed the Committee that with Covid rule enforcement, the Police took the line of engaging and encouraging compliance and using enforcement as a last resort.

• Youth Crime – In response to a question as to whether the Police should take a more active role in trying to discourage youths who were on the edge of entering a life of crime, Superintendent Marsh advised that Kent Police now had a dedicated Schools Team comprising 4 Police Constables who undertook work in secondary schools with a focus on prevention of crime.

Superintendent Marsh advised that it was not always necessary or beneficial to take a young person into custody if alternative interventions were available.

He further advised that Kent Police had 2 Safety Officers specifically working on disrupting county lines gangs and grooming, and work was also undertaken in schools by the Youth Offending Co-ordinator and the Task Force.

• Probation recruitment – In response to a question concerning recruitment to the Probation Service, Tracey Kadir advised that there were staffing challenges in the Probation Service but this was not a new issue. Due to Kent being located in close proximity to London, potential recruits were attracted to working in London where they could receive London Weighting Allowances. She advised that there were 35 vacancies in West Kent currently being advertised. 

• Public Health – Aeilish Geldenhuys, Head of Public Health advised that whilst Public Health was not a statutory organisation in its own right it was treated as statutory with equal status on the Community Safety Partnership. She stated that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic would be around for a while and this was being addressed in Public Health.

• Mental Health Services/CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) - Aeilish Geldenhuys, Head of Public Health confirmed that nationally there had been an increase in funding for CAMHS as part of a 10 year plan by the National Health Service.

She confirmed that although local waiting times were within the national target, there was a lengthy wait for neuro developmental assessments and help was being provided to those on the waiting list to identify possible alternative strategies.

• LAC (Looked after Children) Foyer in Luton – A Member expressed concern about the location of a LAC Foyer in the Luton area of Chatham as he considered it was not suitable to place vulnerable children.

Councillor Gulvin as Chairman of the CSP informed the Committee that the Safeguarding Board had undertaken work in the Luton area of Chatham and discussions had taken place with MHS Homes concerning their proposals for Russell House. However, he appreciated and shared the concerns expressed on this issue.  

• Modern Slavery – In response to a question, Superintendent Marsh advised that the issue of modern slavery was the responsibility of a central team which formed part of the Serious Crime Directorate and confirmed that the Task Force had been involved in securing intelligence for the Team. This work involved a multi-agency approach and included Safeguarding officers.

• Domestic Abuse - Aeilish Geldenhuys, Head of Public Health advised that it was difficult to confirm whether the level of domestic abuse had increased in the last reporting period as many incidents had not been reported during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020. However, it was noticeable that as lockdown restrictions had eased, reports of domestic abuse had begun to increase.

She advised that in cases of domestic abuse, whilst every attempt was made to keep the family in their home, especially where children were involved due to their schooling and local friends, this was not always possible.

Superintendent Marsh advised that the primary concern was always to reduce the initial risk and to give all sides breathing space whilst options were considered. The Police had specific Domestic Abuse vehicles to ensure a rapid response. 

It was also confirmed that the Violence Reduction Unit was involved in cases of Domestic Violence so as to ensure wrap around care especially where children were involved.

Councillor Gulvin as Chairman of the CSP referred to a report submitted to Cabinet on 16 November 2021 which sought agreement to update the existing Domestic Abuse Strategy to comply with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The report focused on the safe accommodation addendum to the existing Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy.

• Covid rule enforcement in the Pentagon and availability of lanyards – In recognition that the Council now owned the Pentagon Shopping Centre, information was sought as to who had responsibility for enforcing Covid-19 rules and whether there was information available as to where to obtain lanyards for those who were exempt from wearing face masks. 

Councillor Gulvin as Portfolio Holder for Resources advised that the Pentagon Shopping Centre security had been proactive in asking members of the public to wear face masks and face masks were available for sale in the Centre and in individual shops.

Concerning the availability of lanyards for those exempt from wearing face masks, Rosie Bauer from the North Kent Clinical Commissioning Group advised that these were usually available within public areas but she would obtain this information and report this to the Committee outside of the meeting.

• Victims of Grooming –A Member referring to recent national press reports on the issue of grooming sought an assurance thatany victims reporting incidents of grooming would be taken seriously. Superintendent Marsh provided an assurance that reports of grooming were treated seriously by Kent Police and confirmed that one active investigation was currently being undertaken in Kent.

• Request for the impact of COVID to be more central in future reports - A Member suggested that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic be made more central in future reports.

Decision:

The Committee thanked the partners of the Community Safety Partnership for attending the meeting and:

a)            noted the findings of the strategic assessment.

b)            endorsed the Community Safety Partnership priorities in light of the strategic assessment findings.

c)            noted that further information would be supplied to the Committee concerning the availability of lanyards within the Pentagon Shopping Centre for those individuals who were exempt from wearing a face mask.