Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Liz Rijenberg (Powys County Council).

The Chair, on behalf of the Panel, extended condolences to Mrs Helen Thomas on the passing of her brother.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel meeting held on the 14^th July 2023 be signed as a correct record.

No matters were raised at the meeting.

Question from Professor Roffe

Commissioner, the ongoing plans by the Home Office to use Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli to house asylum seekers continues to attract considerable media attention and have an impact on community cohesion. Please can you outline what engagement you have had with the Home office regarding this matter and what steps you are taking to ensure that Dyfed Powys Police is not placed in a disadvantageous position both in relation to the cost of policing the venue and its relations with the local community.

Question from Mrs Helen Thomas

Commissioner, the recent increase in shoplifting nationally has attracted considerable media attention. Has Dyfed-Powys witnessed a similar increase and what steps have you taken either separately from, or in conjunction with, the Chief Constable to address this problem?

Question from Councillor Keith Evans

Commissioner, recent reports have highlighted the dangers posed to young people by vaping. What role do you see police school liaison officers have in tackling this issue and what other steps have you taken or do you propose to take to help address this problem?

Question from Councillor Keith Evans

Commissioner, the new 20mph national speed limit in Wales will only be effective if properly enforced. Are you satisfied that you have sufficient resources to do this? Have you had any discussions with the Chief Constable regarding the approach the force will take to this work?

5.1 Question from Professor Roffe

Commissioner, the ongoing plans by the Home Office to use Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli to house asylum seekers continues to attract considerable media attention and have an impact on community cohesion. Please can you outline what engagement you have had with the Home office regarding this matter and what steps you are taking to ensure that Dyfed Powys Police is not placed in a disadvantageous position both in relation to the cost of policing the venue and its relations with the local community.

Response from the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Home Office announced on the 10^th October, 2023 that plans for Stradey Park Hotel to home asylum seekers were being withdrawn. The Dyfed-Powys Police force had been working tirelessly, to ensure safety at the site. 

A letter had been sent to the Home Office asking for questions to be answered on the due diligence taken on the selection of the site.

Working figures on the cost of policing was in the region of £300,000 and representations for reimbursement are to be held at the Welsh Affairs Select Committee meeting on the 8^th November, 2023.

The Commissioner informed the Panel, that he would also be writing to the Chair of the Home Affairs select Committee, to provide evidence of the experience.

The School liaison team are engaging with communities, to convey positive messages to counteract the negativity young children are viewing on social media.

5.2 Question from Mrs Helen Thomas

Commissioner, the recent increase in shoplifting nationally has attracted considerable media attention. Has Dyfed-Powys witnessed a similar increase and what steps have you taken either separately from, or in conjunction with, the Chief Constable to address this problem?

Response from the Police and Crime Commissioner

There is a national increase in offending, due to the cost of living crisis and some serious and organised criminal activities.  To help target criminal activity, assets will be a mature CCTV structure and accurate number plate recognition.

Re-structuring is taking place to allow more officers to be visible in towns.

5.3 Question from Councillor Keith Evans

Commissioner, recent reports have highlighted the dangers posed to young people by vaping. What role do you see police school liaison officers have in tackling this issue and what other steps have you taken or do you propose to take to help address this problem?

Response from the Police and Crime Commissioner

Liaison officers are working with schools as there is an increase in usage.  Vaping is prohibited to under 18’s, but it is an issue and it is a problem with school age children.

At a recent Youth Forum at Stradey Park, youngsters spoke to myself and the Chief Constable and raised issues on drugs. The results from the survey on the event has fed into the work of the Chief Constable.

5.4 Question from Councillor Keith Evans

Commissioner, the new 20mph national speed limit in Wales will only be effective if properly enforced. Are you satisfied that you  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

[NOTE: Councillor S. Hancock had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel considered a performance report in relation to the Policing Protocol for Q2 of the financial year 2023-24.  To demonstrate compliance with the Policing Protocol Order 2011, a healthcheck was developed to cover 50 action areas.  The healthchecks are completed on a quarterly basis, to show continuous progress.

The comments/observations raised were responded to as follows:-

• In response to a query, the Commissioner confirmed that there will be a Police stand at next year’s Royal Welsh event.

·      Further information will be sought on targets for reducing environmental impacts.

·      In response to a query, the Commissioner confirmed to the panel that a finance seminar will be held on the 28^th November.

·      An open door event will be held at the Police Headquarters, in the autumn to engage with Town and Community Councils.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

[NOTE: Councillor S. Hancock had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel received a Deep Dive report, scrutinising how Dyfed-Powys Police managed perpetrators of stalking and harassment.  This was an important area for scrutiny activity, which contributed to the policing priorities set out within the Police and Crime Plan.

The comments/observations raised were responded to as follows:-

·       The Panel commended the report and all the hard work that has been inputted by officers in preparing the information.

·       In response to a query, the Commissioner confirmed that funding for the post will be split 50/50, between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the mainstream budget.

·       The Commissioner confirmed that a new database was being used to report incidents on one system, to improve the recording of crimes.

·       In response to a query, the Commissioner confirmed that he would provide British Transport police with a copy of the report.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be noted.

[NOTE: Councillor S. Hancock had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel considered a report outlining how the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner would deliver the actions within the 2021/2025 Police and Crime Plan.

The comments/observations raised were responded to as follows:-

·       The Panel were informed that the Illegal Drug Use, follow up on the 2019 Deep Dive report, had been deferred, due to the new reporting system.  It will be included into the next plan.

·       The Commissioner informed the Panel, that the collaborative post with University of Wales Trinity saint David to support and facilitate improving links with academic institutions, bringing research and practice together, will be an asset to provide a modern and dynamic Police Force.

RESOLVED that the report be noted

[NOTE: Councillor S. Hancock had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel considered a report on decisions taken by the Commissioner between 29^th June to 16^th October 2023. The Commissioner advised that the report contained decisions, which had been omitted from previous report.

The comments/observations raised were responded to as follows:-

·      In response to a query, the Commissioner informed the Panel, that the front office at the Carmarthen Police Station, was temporary closed due to staff shortages.  A vacancy will be advertised to fill the post and the office will be open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.

RESOLVED that the report be received.