| 50 | The Chairman welcomed all the Members and guests to the meeting.
An information pack had been sent to Members in advance of the meeting and Advance Questions on seven themes had been submitted. The responses to these questions were circulated to Committee Members prior to the meeting, as well as being tabled at the meeting.
The Committee received a copy of the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2014/15 as part of its statutory requirement to annually scrutinise the work of the Reigate and Banstead Community Safety Partnership. Graham Cook, Deputy Chief Executive, introduced the Plan and highlighted two potential changes occurring in 2014/15: the creation of a joint East Surrey CSP in partnership with Mole Valley and Tandridge District Councils; and the pilot Joint Enforcement Project. These proposals would be the subject of a report to the Executive on 16 April.
It was noted that there had been a significant reduction in government funding, and the creation of a joint Community Safety Partnership would enable resources to be shared and used most effectively. It would also provide a strong voice for East Surrey in securing resources from partners.
The Joint Enforcement Project was a 12 month pilot in partnership with Surrey Police, Spelthorne Borough Council and Surrey County Council. The necessary equipment and training would be funded by the Police & Crime Commissioner.
The Deputy Chief Executive took questions on these two projects. It was confirmed that powers would be shared by both Council and Police staff and further information would be included in a briefing for all Councillors. A communications campaign was also planned once the project had launched.
Debbie Stitt, Community Safety Manager, presented the Plan, which indicated the Partnership's key crime and disorder priorities for 2014/15 as well as progress against 2013/14 priorities, where all targets had been achieved. The Plan had been agreed by the Community Safety Partnership on 5 March 2014.
The priorities had been identified following an analysis of data from partners and feedback from local residents. Many of the priorities were continuing issues from the previous year.
Concern was expressed regarding the lack of statutory funding for the well-attended Redhill Youth Club.
It was noted that the Council was required to review all CCTV cameras under a new Code of Practice. Reviews would look at data captured over a three year period and where there was no longer a justified / evidence based need for the cameras, the Council would need to remove them. Officers were continuing to monitor new technology, particularly where this would provide greater mobility to the CCTV cameras. Members raised considerable concern regarding the Code of Practice and the potential for cameras to be removed. The Committee requested that reviews included consultation with local Ward Members.
Acting Inspector Dan Gutierrez made a presentation on behalf of Surrey Police which set out levels of public confidence in the police and Council's action on anti-social behaviour and crime and summarised recent crime figures.
It was noted that until recently, funding had been ring fenced for Police Community Support Officers. This funding was no longer ring fenced and the Police & Crime Commissioner had redirected the funding to increase the number of police officers, which was considered more effective. Concern was raised about the loss of a consistent police representative at local neighbourhood forums and community meetings. There was concern at the loss of PCSO's because they remained in post longer than Police Constables and were thus able to build a better rapport with the community.
The Committee were advised that Surrey Police were achieving savings targets whilst protecting front line services wherever possible. Reductions had been made in back office areas and at senior levels.
The Committee were advised of the countywide Community Safety Board, which was chaired by the Police & Crime Commissioner and sought to support county level strategic issues.
The Chairman thanked the members of the Community Safety Partnership for their contribution and attendance. |