To review the work and activity of the Herefordshire community safety partnership (CSP)

The cabinet member for Economy and Corporate Services introduced the representatives from West Mercia Police, the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), public health commissioning, and Addaction. It was noted for a full meeting of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) there would be 26 people.

 

It was explained that the purpose of the CSP is to consider a broad range of issues and to develop strategy. The CSP is not intended to handle the detail of cases but to develop conjoined strategy between multiple organisations.

Funding for the CSP was received from the office of the PCC. There were four priority areas identified by the CSP for funding:

-       Reoffending

-       Community cohesion and antisocial behaviour

-       Domestic Violence

-       Substance abuse involving the activity of street pastors

In total £496017 was received from the office of the PCC, additional funding is targeted for specific activities. Additional there is a business unit operated by Herefordshire Council with a running cost of £75,000 for the adult safeguarding board, the children’s safeguarding board, and the Community Safety Partnership.

 

The Cabinet member for Economy and Corporate Services introduced Superintendent Sue Thomas to discuss items regarding funding and to recount the latest crime statistics for Herefordshire.

 

Superintendent Thomas explained that there were two sections of relevant funding: the superintendent’s fund and the business and rural fund. In response to budget cuts, a focus had been placed on methods of crime prevention which were the most cost effective for reducing crime. A number of examples of cost effective methods were given, including engagement activity in the night time economy as well as household alarms.

 

It was explained that rural and cyber crime were a focus of the PCC. In Herefordshire this had led to a number of successful initiatives:

-       Work had been done with action plans to develop neighbourhood watch, and to improve community and farm watch schemes. Funding for these schemes was limited going forward.

-       A mobile contact centre had been secured allowing better provision in rural areas.

-       Noise teams had been made available during peak times during the summer. These had previously only been available form Mondays to Fridays.

It was stated that Herefordshire is experiencing a 26% increase in recorded crime year on year. However, it was important to understand the context of this:

-       Following an audit process, old records had been backdated. This led to an increased number of recorded crimes even though some of these may not have actually occurred in the current year.

-       Procedural changes in the recording of crime had led to an increase. For example, in domestic violence cases, methods of investigation had changed generating a higher number of reported crimes from a single case.

-       Reported cases of harassment had increased significantly. Many of these cases involved communication technology which had not existed on the same scale previously.

-       There had been a 10% increase in crime with injury, notably linked to the night time economy. While there had been an increase, an award had been received for night time policing in Herefordshire with the work done with street pastors and was considered best practice.

-       Reported incidents of rape had increased, it was noted that public awareness of rape and sexual abuse cases had been significant in recent times and that this was believed to have led to an increase in reporting.

-       Nuisance and noise complaints had seen an increase, however this trend was expected to reverse due to work done targeting the area.

-       Burglary had increased, particularly in the Southern areas of the county and the Ledbury area in autumn 2014. However it was noted that police had launched operation Daring, adopted new tactics in the area and had worked with Ledbury Town Council.

Superintendent Thomas identified a number of key areas of work:

-       Assessments were being carried out to identify trends in which crimes posed the greatest threat and to which groups.

-       An operation was in place to counter drug dealers entering Herefordshire from the west midlands via rail routes. It was noted that this had led to a large number of arrests and that there was good cooperation with Birmingham Police forces.

-       Cross border criminals were being targeted on the Gloucestershire and Welsh border areas. It was described that operation nightingale had been launched with large numbers of officers involved in night-time operations, for example in the Peterchurch area.

-       It was explained that the nature of crimes being faced in Herefordshire had changed significantly in recent times and that this was reflected in the Force’s priorities. It was noted that mental health activity, urban regeneration, and digital and cybercrime were now key priority areas while not having had the same levels of prominence previously.

Superintendent Thomas summarised the resource situation of the policing in Herefordshire. Key points included:

-       Central government cuts had not adversely affected the structure of police forces. While efficiencies were being made, major changes to organisational structures had not had to be made.

-       There were 240 members of staff under the superintendent’s jurisdiction with additional support by people from many commands

-       Police in Herefordshire had an intelligence capacity and a firearms capacity not directly under the command of the superintendent but which were used to support police operations.

-       While there had been a reduction in the number of police stations there was still police coverage for the whole county.

-       A new build police station to be a joint premises with the fire service was to be constructed.

The chairman asked if additional information could be provided in regard to cybercrime. Superintendent Thomas explained that cybercrime was a particular interest of the Police and Crime Commissioner and detailed a number of briefings which would serve as a good source of information for members.

 

The cabinet member for Economy and Corporate Services explained how the CSP operates and how priorities are set.

 

It was explained that Understanding Herefordshire, a research project providing statistics and analysis of demographics and other information about Herefordshire which was a key source of information. When combined with crime statistics and the statutory requirements of the CSP, priority areas can be developed. It was explained that once priorities have been identified, the CSP works to develop strategies seeing improvement in these areas.

 

The four priority areas were identified as:

-       Reducing re-offending

-       Reducing the harm done by alcohol and drugs

-       Domestic violence

-       Community cohesion

It was explained that using statistics, the effectiveness of the CSP in meeting its priorities in comparison to 2013 and how situations have developed could be measured. It was explained that in February 2016 this information would be analysed in full by the CSP and that the results of this analysis would be published through Understanding Herefordshire.

 

The Cabinet member for economy and corporate services commented on how the effectiveness of the CSP was reviewed, and how its strategies were updated. It was explained that action plans were reviewed on a regular basis and that funding was important within this process.

-       Funding was an important consideration, while core funding had been received for 2016-2017, PCC elections in May, little funding had been confirmed for the longer term.

-       Priorities of the CSP were reviewed regularly, notably in response to crime statistics.

-       The CSP intended to add child sexual abuse as a fifth priority area for the CSP and that an action plan for this area was being developed.

 

A representative of the office of the police and crime commissioner outlined the current funding situation for the Herefordshire CSP.

-       The current police and crime commissioner has been working on the commissioning framework for CSPs across the West Mercia region.

-       Funding for the next financial year would be set according to funding received when the PCC took office.

-       In total the PCC controls £4.5 million, £1.5 million of which goes to victims with the rest of the funding going to crime prevention.

-       Work with partners on strategic planning would continue until the purdah period ahead of the PCC election on May 5 2016. It was noted that while the current PCC is in place there will be assurances given over funding for the transition period.

-       It was to be confirmed by the ministry of justice how much funding will be appropriated for victims. However, the core amount of funding would still be provided but there was no confirmation on how much additional funding can be given for business, rural, and cybercrime.

-       It was explained that longer term funding for CSPs would be decided upon in the near future, however strict estimates could not be given over funding until decisions had been made in March.

 

The learning and development officer presented on the four priority areas of the CSP.

 

The following key points were made in regard to re-offending:

-       When the CSP had previously been reviewed by scrutiny 12 months before the meeting, there had been concern over provision for re-offending support for low risk offenders would be given to private companies.

-       It was explained that despite some challenges this had been a relatively smooth process. While there were still challenges which would have affected many individuals involved the transition had proven to be a success.

-       It was acknowledged that due to the length of time of re-offending cases, the most recent data on re-offending available was from 2013.

-       Youth crime was an issue in Herefordshire. What was becoming clear was that housing and accommodation for individuals concerned as well as mental health support was important in responses.

-       Since 2015 re-offending rates had seen a downturn.

-       While compared against other authorities in the West Mercia region, Herefordshire was doing well in re-offending rates, Shropshire had a lower rate of re-offending. As a result it had been identified that Shropshire’s activities would be examined for best practice.

-       The number of first time entrants in re-offending was reducing.

The following key points were made in reaction to reducing the impacts of alcohol and drugs, the second priority of the CSP.

-       The impacts of alcohol and drugs were closely related to the night time economy. As such, significant work had been done with licensees and street pastors.

-       40% of domestic violence crimes were related to alcohol.

-       Hospital admissions relating to alcohol in Herefordshire were not distinct from average rates in West Mercia. However, many cases involved individuals over the age of 50 indicating long term substance abuse.

-       50% of people in treatment for drug abuse have been previous offenders. One of the biggest challenges for the recently commissioned group Addaction would be to combat this.

-       18% of the younger range of individuals in treatment are using cannabis

-       Opiate use is high among individuals of higher age ranges in treatment

Representatives from Addaction made a number of comments specifically in relation to the second priority area for the CSP:

-       Previous providers for addiction services had adopted a heavily medical approach. This allowed opiate users to receive a high quality of treatment, however work has subsequently been done to look at recovery and understanding individuals who are in treatment. It was noted that Herefordshire has rates of addiction three times worse than the national average. This highlights a need for work to be done in rehabilitation, it was explained that Addaction have been commissioned to meet this need.

-       It was explained that a focus of Addaction’s work was to work closely with partner organisations in order to offer a single point of contact. It was described that this makes service use simpler and makes service use effective and visible. Additionally, successfully recovered service users would act as champions for the service helping current service users. It was explained that this format was showing continued success across all of Addaction’s 150 services.

The following key points were made in discussion of domestic violence, the third priority area of the CSP

-       Domestic violence requires the commitment of significant resources in order to provide housing support and with the use of women and men’s aid charities.

-       Recorded incidents of domestic violence are increasing in Herefordshire, however it was noted that this was at least in part due to procedural change.

-       Herefordshire has seen a year on year increase in referrals as well as increases in calls to a helpline. It was explained that it is difficult to assess if this increase is from new victims or if the crime itself is increasing in frequency. It was noted that this is also believed to be due to more people feeling able to come forward and report the crime which was identified as a positive development.

-       It was explained that the charity Women’s aid had been secured through a tendering service to be in place for an additional five year.

-       There were a small number of domestic homicide cases due to be published which represented serious long term case reviews.

-       It was noted that there were a number of proposed voluntary schemes for perpetrators of domestic violence. Pilots for the schemes had been successful showing success rates of 50% in comparison to 5% for non-voluntary schemes. In addition the schemes had also been awarded funding for another 12 months to extend pilots by the PCC and the schemes had also generated interest within the west Mercia region.

-       Engagement work was being carried out in schools and other areas to promote health relationships.

The following key points were made in regard to anti-social behaviour and community cohesion, the final priority area of the CSP:

-       There had been an increase in the number of antisocial behaviour cases reported.

-       There had been an increase of 15% in the number of reported cases of hate crime, however this was considered to be largely positive trends in reporting than in the actual number of incidents.

-       It was noted that of reported hate crimes, 30% of the victims had been Asian or Pakistani while these groups represent 4% of the population of Herefordshire.

-       Work was being done in the area of community cohesion, noting that there was a monthly task group which looked to address issues in this area from a multi-agency perspective.

-       In the last 12 months work had been done according to the Prevent, anti-radicalisation agenda between Herefordshire Council and the CSP to supervise individuals at risk of radicalisation.

 

There was discussion of areas of the CSP which it might be beneficial to conduct further scrutiny work. The cabinet member for economy and corporate services suggested that the CSP partners as well as representatives from the office of the Chief Constable, and the office of the PCC present to members in greater detail. It was noted that action plans were being developed in February and that funding from the office of the PCC for CSP activity would be subject to the results of the PCC elections on May 5 2016. The chairman agreed that this would be of benefit.

 

The Director of Children’s Wellbeing suggested that work in child sexual exploitation by both the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as well as the health overview and scrutiny committee may be of benefit. In response the chair explained that potential options would be explored in greater detail following the meeting.

 

The chairman welcomed questions from members of the committee.

 

A member of the committee asked to what extent violent crime in Herefordshire was related to drugs. Superintendent Thomas explained that it cannot be underestimated that people carrying drugs may also carry weapons and that drug dealing also created conflict between individuals involved.

 

A member of the committee queried if the view that cannabis had a smaller impact on crime than alcohol was correct in Herefordshire. Superintendent Thomas explained that the impacts of class C drugs were considered comprehensively with numerous options considered. It was noted that there had been a recent increase in drug driving cases involving cannabis over the Christmas period. This was significant as traditionally drink driving was the greater issue over that period.

 

The vice chair made a number of queries regarding the provision of services for victims of domestic violence. Queries were made regarding the number of women’s refuges in Herefordshire and the number of available beds. The vice chair also queried the installation of safe rooms in Herefordshire. It was explained that responses were limited due to security as some detailed information could not be disclosed. However it was explained that there is a single refuge in Herefordshire but that this part of a wider network across the west midlands. It was noted that while it is often beneficial to house victims outside of the county for safety reasons, there are times when Herefordshire has not had sufficient capacity to house victims. It was explained that safe rooms are available subject to a needs assessment, noting that there had been a number of requests in the previous year.

 

A member of the committee noted that the information on provision for domestic violence victims would make for a beneficial presentation for all members and commended the attention given to the area by the CSP. The director of children’s wellbeing explained that the Health Overview and Scrutiny committee had recently done work in this area and noted the need to better communicate activity between committees.

 

The cabinet member for economy and corporate services explained that CSP action plans for 2015 were only given one year of funding. As such it was important that priority leads were able to show that money has been used wisely in order to ask for continued or additional funding.

 

A member of the committee queried the CSP’s view on the balance between individuals and communities responsibilities

 

A member of the committee asked what advice could be given to members to better support police and CSP activity. Superintendent Thomas replied that ward member engagement remains important as a link to communities and it varies between communities in which ways this can be effective. The example of cooperation with the relevant ward member during a murder enquiry in Herefordshire was provided as an example of success.

 

A member of the committee asked how well information was shared between CSP partners. The cabinet member for economy and corporate services acknowledged that there had been issues with the availability of information which had now been resolved. It was explained that by the end of 2016, new tracking tools would be in place allowing greater access to data. It was noted that currently the most recent data available on re-offending was from 2013 and that this would be alleviated with the new systems.

The cabinet member for economy and corporate services acknowledged that there had been issues with the availability of information which had now been resolved.

 

A member of the committee queried if there was a danger associated with the success of the current CSP for gaining additional funding. It was asked, as Herefordshire is a relatively low crime authority and the CSP had delivered on a number of its priorities, was there a danger that a new PCC may reallocate funding to areas which were failing instead of Herefordshire. The cabinet member for economy and corporate services explained that this possibility had been discussed. However there was confidence that a new PCC would want to be associated with success, and as such fund and continue to support areas that were already successful.

 

Resolved

 

That:

 

a)    it be recommend that an all member briefing be arranged on the CSP and related matters including the office and Police and Crime Commissioner, Chief Constable, the Superintendent of Herefordshire and other CSP partners.

 

b)   that the chair and vice chair investigate what areas of the CSP it may be of benefit to conduct further scrutiny work.