Agenda item

The Panel considered the draft ‘Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Plan 2021-2025’ which the Police and Crime Commissioner was required to publish in accordance with Section 7(1) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

The Police and Crime Commissioner introduced the draft Plan adding that any feedback from the Panel would be taken on board prior to its publication.

The following issues were raised:

·       In response to a query as to whether the Commissioner was referring to more officers ‘on the beat’ in the statement on p.3 that it was ‘essential that these resources are visible’ he responded that there would indeed be more officers visible and front-line response officers would have between 30%-40% more time to do more proactive patrolling and policing. The increased visibility also included community engagement;   

·       The Commissioner assured the Panel that the Force had strong and robust working partnerships across Wales;

·       Reference was made to the fact that some of the priorities listed in the draft Plan such as aspects related to the Criminal Justice System were likely to be beyond the Commissioner’s control. In response the Commissioner commented that an argument was being put forward nationally that Police Commissioners should have greater levers of power within the criminal justice system. He added, however, that in Wales the local criminal justice partnerships were very strong and he was confident that there would be improvements. He also emphasised the need to invest in prevention of crime and early interventions;

·       It was noted that the Chief Constable had given feedback on the draft Plan and there would be negotiation on the priority areas and their resourcing;

·       In response to a concern highlighted in the draft Plan that Dyfed-Powys Police had one of the highest rates of victims who withdraw from the criminal justice process the Commissioner expressed the hope that putting the victim at the centre of the criminal justice system and setting this as a priority would hopefully see the situation improve;

·       The Commissioner, in response to a query, was hopeful that operational changes currently being implemented would ensure that there was sufficient  police presence in rural areas;

·       In response to a query as to whether the Commissioner would be able to achieve Priority 3 in the draft Plan in view of the fact that he was reliant on other partners he acknowledged that his powers were limited but that he was in a position to instigate and advocate change particularly through his chairmanship of the Criminal Justice Board;

·       The Commissioner, in response to a comment, stated that he would be happy for the Panel to look into the effectiveness of his investment in youth services with a view to possible further improve of the service;

·       The Commissioner accepted that the reference to ‘Support the work of the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales’ could be expanded upon to clarify the nature of that support;

·       The Commissioner referred to action being taken by himself to reduce the carbon footprint;

·       The Commissioner acknowledged that with future challenging budget settlements there would be greater focus by himself on efficiencies and savings;

·       The Commissioner paid tribute to the work of the third sector

The Panel was invited to forward any further comments on the draft Plan to the officer of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

RESOLVED, subject to any issues raised above and noted by the Police and Crime Commissioner, that the draft Plan be endorsed.