Agenda item

A presentation will be given by the Vice-Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership updating the committee with details of the outcomes of last year’s priorities and issues for the forthcoming year.

Discussion:

The Vice Chairman of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Superintendant Chapman gave a presentation to the Committee on the work of the partnership (a copy of which has subsequently been published on the Council’s website along with the other papers for this meeting). The presentation highlighted the achievements of the CSP and the challenges faced under each of the five priorities in the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-2016 together with a look ahead to future planned activity:

• Priority 1 – Tackle drug and alcohol abuse
• Priority 2 – Tackle anti-social behaviour and enviro-crime
• Priority 3 – Reduce re-offending
• Priority 4 – Tackle domestic abuse
• Priority 5 – Reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions

The Committee then made comments, raised a number of questions and discussed a range of issues including:

Preventative work – several members commended the Partnership for the effectiveness of awareness raising programmes in schools. Particular reference was made to work being undertaken by Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue and the Youth Offending Team. One member praised a pilot involving placement of social work students in Pupil Referral Units in secondary schools.

Re-offending – members asked about the overall picture in relation to re-offending rates and asked for an explanation for the significant reduction in instances of re-offending. Superintendent Chapman explained that re-offending rates are reported by re-offending types and that there had been a 32% reduction in reoffending rates among the adult cohort under the integrated re-offender unit rather than across the board. The Police actively worked with other agencies such as the probation service, to seek to achieve early intervention, a targeted regime for prolific offenders and successful restorative practices. The Director of NK LDU Probation Services acknowledged it was difficult to explain the reduction in re-offending rates and highlighted the targeted intervention work being undertaken by the probation service with a focus on getting people through their court orders

Number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI)  – a request was made for these statistics to be presented separately so it was possible to differentiate between the number of road traffic collisions causing deaths and those causing serious injury. The Kent Fire and Rescue Service representative agreed to look into this although members were asked to note that the statistics were presented together as the difference between death or serious injury could be attributable to the degree of heroic medical intervention available at the roadside or on arrival of the patient at hospital.

‘Skunk’ shops – the Committee asked for assurances that the partnership was working on a multi-agency basis to discourage these shops, given the risk of harm they present to young people. CSP representatives acknowledged the difficulties caused by limited powers available to close down ‘skunk’ shops but assured the Committee action was being taken to try and disrupt usage within the existing legal framework

Use of illegal tobacco – with reference to the use of illegal tobacco members commented that performance on this was currently rated green/amber but pointed out that Medway had received recent media attention for being a hot spot for illegal cigarettes. Members were advised to treat the recent press coverage with caution as it was based on a survey undertaken by a tobacco industry organisation involving an assessment of street litter to measure bonafide as opposed to illicit cigarettes. It was explained that HMRC is the government enforcement agency and that Medway’s Trading Standards Team get heavily involved in enforcement activity with a number of recent successful local seizures of illegal cigarettes. The situation in Medway is also influenced by the fact it has densely populated urban areas and is located in close proximity to channel ports. Members also noted the higher level of risk of harm associated with counterfeit tobacco products compared with illicit products, which cannot be sold legally. Officers confirmed there was an ongoing commitment to take appropriate action in relation to illegal and counterfeit tobacco, as the problem could not be regarded as resolved.

Domestic Abuse – members queried whether improved performance was actually due to higher levels of reporting by those affected by domestic abuse or whether cases of domestic abuse were on the rise. Members also noted the evidence of the positive impact of better partnership working in this area and asked what was being done to support people who have reported domestic abuse but may have a change of mind when confronted by the prospect of court proceedings.

Chief Superintendent Chapman assured the Committee that the CSP recognised the serious long- term impact of domestic abuse but that it was difficult to know if current figures were attributable to improved levels of reporting or an increase in the number of incidents of abuse. She stated that good safeguarding agreements were in place between the statutory agencies so that signs of domestic abuse could be detected early. Dedicated police officers were dealing with high- risk families and there were a number of support networks in place involving voluntary and statutory agencies. The police seek to always prosecute in cases of domestic abuse rather than offer alternatives such as conditional cautions or restorative justice. If victims were unhappy to go through with court proceedings the Police would seek to rely on evidence from neighbours and the scene of the incident. The work of the IDVAs was important in encouraging and supporting those who have reported domestic abuse to go to court. IDVAs provide invaluable practical support, which can help to discourage victims from withdrawing at this stage.

The Committee welcomed enhanced levels of support now available from advisers on domestic abuse through a community organisation based in premises in Chatham and the introduction of a computer system accessible to a number of partners, which made it easier to share information. Officers reported particular progress in supporting those experiencing abuse who have no other back-up.

Assurances were given to the Committee that measures are being taken to prevent domestic abuse in specific communities where cultural influences are known to lead to lower rates of reporting.

Crime statistics – public perception following recent report by HMIC on inaccurately recorded crimes  – the view was expressed that the recent HMIC finding of inaccurately recorded crimes by Kent Police had undermined public confidence in statistics. Superintendent Chapman assured the Committee that Kent Police welcomed the review and was committed to implementation of all the recommendations. She stated there had also been positive commentary about areas of good practice and work already carried out to address the issues raised. A recent survey had shown nine out of ten people were satisfied with police recording processes. She explained the statistics about Medway crime levels in her presentation were based on this financial year up to 26^th June.

Looking ahead – resourcing priorities – the Committee noted the overall 4% reduction in crime in Medway and asked whether, going forward, resources were being targeted more systematically at priority areas. Specific reference was made to a 10% increase in crime in Strood North and Luton and Wayfield and also to a high number of crimes involving only two households in Gillingham South together with a high incidence of damage to vehicles in this ward.

Superintendent Chapman explained that Kent Police undertook a priority review every two weeks. A certain level of resourcing was maintained across all areas but operational plans were also in place to target specific issues as appropriate. For example seasonal crime and release of offenders.

She undertook to explore the possibility of a five year ward- level trend analysis being produced to supplement published ward based crime statistics.

With regard to spikes in anti-social behaviour often involving damage to vehicles as experienced in Gillingham South the Committee was advised that the Police combined a targeted approach to known offenders with attempts to discourage car –owners from leaving valuables on display inside vehicles.

Efforts were continuously made to let people know when perpetrators of reported crimes were caught and brought to justice.

Safeguarding – members asked about the role of the CSP in relation to the safeguarding of children and adults with reference to the interface between the partnership and other relevant agencies. As an example Members queried whether the CSP had any knowledge of the problems in children’s social care before the publication of the recent OFSTED Inspection report. Officers advised that Medway Council as a whole was a “responsible authority” for the purposes of the CSP and that the Strategic Executive Group included senior colleagues from across the Directorate of Children and Adults to ensure integrated working. Links between the various Safeguarding Boards and CSP were in place.

Members asked for a briefing note documenting the interface between the CSP and other relevant safeguarding teams and organisations.

Drug and alcohol addiction- members noted with concern the point made in Superintendent Chapman’s presentation about lack of aftercare for drug addiction. The Director of Public Health advised that a specification for a drug and alcohol treatment system was being drawn up as part of a procurement exercise for an integrated service. It had been recognised there are gaps and the new service will include support through to recovery. There would be consultation with the Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the new service specification.

Decision:

The Committee thanked the Community Safety Partnership for its attendance and agreed:

1.      that in future years the Committee should scrutinise the annual strategic assessment at the end of the calendar year which may then result in changes to the CSP’s priorities

2.      that senior members of the CSP should be invited to attend meetings of the Committee for the annual CSP report and other meetings where specific community safety issues are discussed throughout the year

3.      that Superintendent Chapman should report back on whether ward level crime statistics could be expanded to include a  five year trend analysis

4.      to ask officers to explore what more can be done to control and discourage ‘skunk’ shops and

5.      that a copy of the PowerPoint presentation for this item should be circulated