Agenda and draft minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Simon Hancock (Pembrokeshire County Council).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel held on the 24^th July 2024 be signed as a correct record.

Minute Item 4

An update was requested in relation to the review of the School Programme. The Police and Crime Commissioner advised that following the Welsh Governments previous decision to withdraw financial support for the programme across Wales, he had decided the programme would continue within the Dyfed Powys Force area. Currently there were 14 school officers engaged with visiting all primary and secondary schools in the area and he was exploring the possibility of extending the service to include higher education facilities including, 6^th forms and universities. The Commissioner also confirmed that following a discussion with fellow Police and Crime Commissioners across Wales regarding portfolios, he was responsible for the Children and Young People Portfolio and would be leading and engaging with the youth justice service within Wales and the Welsh Government.

5.1 - Question from Councillor Liz Rijnenberg

According to press reports, in Dyfed Powys people from Black Minority Ethnic backgrounds are 4 times more likely to be stopped and searched than their white counterparts. Could the Commissioner advise how he is assured that reviews have been undertaken on all such cases, that they are robust and thorough and that systems are in place to share good practice.

Response from the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Commissioner advised that currently, within the Dyfed Powys Police Force area approximately 2% of the population were Black or Asian, representing a small minority. However, in examining statistics, whilst they represented a small portion of the public, fluctuations in the statistics could be dramatic in comparison to the whole of the population.

The Commissioner advised that in relation to the issue of stop and search practices within the force area, a sergeant would scrutinise 20 stop and search records on a monthly basis which was then followed by a further audit undertaken by Inspectors who were required to audit five random stop and search records each month to assess whether actions taken were appropriate in the context of age, vulnerability, and the removal of clothing as part of a strip search. Additionally, a further 100% audit of all stop and search records was undertaken where they involved either self-defined or officer -defined ethnicity. The findings of those reviews were then fed into the quarterly Ethical Use of Police Power (EUPP) meetings where they were scrutinised and attended by a representative of the Commissioner’s office to maintain oversight and to identify any matters for escalation to the Commissioner.

The Commissioner advised that any learning requirements identified from the reviews were fed back into the Force’s Learning and Development services and Special Operations training. All reports, with Force comments, were published on the Commissioner’s website. There were also plans to introduce a QR code for persons subjected to a stop and search to have access to their corresponding record. Consideration was also being given to Youth Ambassadors engaging with schools to scrutinise stop and search incidents via anonymised scenarios of real situations

5.2 - Question from Councillor Liz Rijnenberg

The need for police officers to be visible and responsive remains important in delivering most aspects of the Police and Crime Plan. How is the Commissioner assured by the Chief Constable that the channels of communication between the Neighbourhood Policing Teams and stakeholders such as individual members of the public, councillors and community groups are sufficient to facilitate this.

Response from the Police and Crime Commissioner

The Police and Crime Commissioner responded that Police visibility is valued by communities and was seen as an area of policing crucial for deterring crime and building community trust.

He advised that there had been a slight change in the operating model of the neighbourhood policing teams with their rebranding as Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPTs). As part of the new arrangements a new strategy and delivery plan had been developed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

[NOTE: Mrs H. Thomas had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel, in accordance with the provisions of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 reviewed the Police and Crime Plan for the Dyfed Powys Police Force developed by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The following observations/comments were raised on the report:

·         In response to a question on the precept funding for 2024/25, the Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed he would ensure the wording in the Plan was amended to clarify that the £332.03 precept was based on Band D properties.

·         Reference was made to the fact Panel members were aware of both good, and indifferent responses, to the plan and clarification was sought on how the Commissioner would ensure a consistent approach to neighbourhood policing.

The Commissioner, advised that the force had developed a new Performance Framework, which included the Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams, detailing how the force engaged with the Community

·         With regard to a question on the regularity of meetings of the Police Accountability Board, the Commissioner accepted there had been a time lag since the last meeting held in March 2024, and that the next meeting to be held on the 5^th November, 20204 would have a new focus on performance.

Reference was made to the importance of members of the Police and Crime Panel being invited and attending meetings of the Accountability Board. The Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed that Panel members were welcome to attend these scrutiny meetings to see how he held the Chief Constable to account. He also advised that as public attendance at the meetings was low, future meetings would be webcast to reach a wider audience.

·         In response to a question on whether the police estate affected the Plan’s operation, the Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed that it did not and that it was hoped it enhanced the Plan. He advised that the operation of the estate was currently under review as the force addressed the challenge of the digital world and how it responded thereto. He cited the provision of the new facility at Dafen and the new custody suite and to how the estate strategy could enhance the way the force policed crime. Whilst recognising the need to modernise, there was a financial consequence associated therewith and that would prove to be challenging with the demands on the capital budget subsequently impacting the revenue budget. However, the force while needing to be modern, must also recognise and not lose sight of the public’s desire for a police presence within their areas.

·         The Panel’s attention was drawn to a recent visit to a Panel Members ward by officers from the force’s headquarters with expertise in the built environment and how that environment could help address issues of Anti-Social Behaviour within Communities. It was suggested it would be beneficial if those officers could liaise with officers from each of the 4 County Councils to share that expertise.

The Police and Crime Commissioner in response welcomed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

[NOTE: Mrs H. Thomas had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel received a report prepared by the Police and Crime Commissioner on a review he had undertaken on the governance arrangements by which he held the Chief Constable to account. It was noted the revised arrangements would replace the previous Policing Board and Police Accountability Board.

The following observations/comments were raised on the report:-

·         Reference was made to the changes being introduced as part of the Police and Crime Commissioners new Governance Arrangements and an acceptance made that both the Policing Board and Police Accountability Board had run their course and change was required. Having regard to the numerous changes introduced and being introduced, a view was expressed that it was important the Panel was apprised of those for example:-

-       Some 12 months had lapsed since the force received the outcome of the Peer Review and the Panel would need to see any changes introduced as a consequence of the review findings

-       The Commissioner had referred earlier in the meeting to the precept and to the new control centre and the Panel should be informed of their progression

-       It was acknowledged that changes, such as the new Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams, could affect staff morale and it was important for the Panel to see how those changes were proceeding.

·         In response to a question relating to Terms of Reference for both the Select Committee and Community Engagement, the Chief Executive for the Commissioners’ office advised that terms of reference for the Select Committee were currently being drafted but there were none relating to Community Engagement.

The Police and Crime Commissioner further advised that the Select Committees terms of reference would be bespoke and more thematic. With regard to community engagement, he confirmed it was important the arrangements therefor clearly detailed the work to be undertaken.

·         The Police and Crime Commissioner referred to the forces’ future investment requirements and advised he would be liaising with the Panel Chair thereon prior to the forthcoming finance seminar. With regard to financing generally, he advised any changes introduced by the new UK Government such as the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee may impact on those finances.

·         In response to a question on the Panel’s visibility under the new governance arrangements, the Commissioner advised that was a matter for the Panel to consider. However, he welcomed Panel member attendance at meetings of the Strategic Board and the Select Committee.

·         In response to a question on the operation of the Commission Board, the Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed its work would now be undertaken by the Strategic Performance Board.

·         The Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed he would be liaising with the newly elected Members of Parliament for the force area.

·         Reference was made to Community Engagement and to whether the Commissioner had focussed on the cost framework to ensure there was no underestimate of the level of resources required. The Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed he had the necessary resources to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Panel considered a report on decisions taken by the Commissioner between 13^th July, 2024 to the 11^th October 2024.

The Panel noted that Section 28(6) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 requires it to review decisions made and actions taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner in connection with the discharge of his functions and to also make such reports and recommendations to the Commissioner in relation to those decisions and actions as the Panel considers appropriate.

RESOLVED that the report be received.

[NOTE: Mrs H. Thomas 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 2024-25.

It was reported that this Quarter has seen the change in performance of a number of actions, 1 actions had changed from Amber to Green and 3 had moved from Green to Amber. 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

[NOTE: Mrs H. Thomas had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Panel received the Progress report of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Business Plan for Quarter 2 – 2024/25.  The report outlined the progress that had been made in delivering the requirements of the business plan in alignment with the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.

It was noted that the report highlighted a number of changes in RAG status during Quarter 2.

The Commissioner’s Chief Executive referred to the OPCC Business Plan progress report and the Policing Protocol Performance report (discussed in minute 8 above) and informed the Panel that due to a number of cross cutting themes between the two, it was proposed that from April 2025 they would form one Operational Report.

The following issues / questions were raised on the report:

·         In response to a question on immediate justice, the Panel was advised that related to new government proposals on restorative justice which were currently being examined by the Assistant Chief Constable. It was noted that while there may be additional funding requirements associated with any new proposals, they could not be fully assessed until such time as the Government published its proposals

·         With regard to a question on the discontinuance by the Pembrokeshire Community Safety Partnership of its participation in the Home Office’s Domestic Homicide Review, the Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed the discontinuance only related to that specific pilot and the Partnership itself would continue.

·         In relation to a question on the Sexual Abuse Service, the Police and Crime Commissioner advised the new Individual Sexual Advisory Service was different to the Sexual Abuse Services. He advised that with regard to the proposed new Sexual Abuse Referral Clinic (SARC) at Bronglais Hospital its approval was currently awaiting Welsh Government sign off for the associated capital investment and that he would provide an update thereon at a future Panel meeting.

·         In response to a question relating to the White Ribbon Campaign, the Commissioner confirmed the force’s involvement therein including, its attendance at a number of campaign events

RESOLVED that the report be noted