Agenda item

[NOTE:  Councillor S. Hancock and Mrs H.M. Thomas having earlier declared an interest in this item remained in the meeting during its consideration and voting thereof.]

The Panel considered a report on decisions taken by the Commissioner between 8^th February and 11^th April. 2024.

Reference was made to the Decision on the Northwest Surveillance Situational Awareness System and to a recent news article on the use of face recognition cameras within Croydon. The Commissioner confirmed such cameras were not in use within the Dyfed Powys Police Force area.

With regard to objective 3 within the Strategic Equality Plan – “Strengthen our relationships through proactive community policing and engagement activities” the Commissioner confirmed he was striving for an increased visible and accessible force via the force’s 1308 officers which included a review currently  being undertaken on the operation of the neighbourhood policing teams to achieving that aim. The Force would also be launching its equality Plan later in May 2024.

With reference to the one off £10,000 goodwill payment to each of the 4 Local Authorities within Dyfed Powys, the Commissioner confirmed no caveats had been placed on the payment.

Reference was made to the single tender awards within the report and to whether the costs thereof, for example the Automatic Number Plate Recognition Tender which could be significant, could be included within a future report. The Commissioner advised that could be looked at for inclusion within future reports to the Panel.

With reference to Value for Money for tenders the Commissioner advised that for large contracts eg the purchase of police vehicles, the force utilised the Blue Light Commercial organisation framework where large economies of scale could be achieved. For more specific local contracts, the force had a procurement policy in place and proper due diligence was applied to ensure value for money was achieved.

In response to a delay on the commencement of the contract for the Individual Sexual Violence Advisor, the Commissioner advised that had been delayed until the Autumn due to issues relating to the Transfer of Undertakings and Protection of Employment process. He confirmed the new contract would deliver added benefits to the existing contract for example, the provision of services for child victims of crime.

With regard to the extension agreement for the Go Safe Partnership and the review to be undertaken of the introduction of the default 20mph speed limits in Wales, the Commissioner advised on the financial pressures being faced by the partnership and discussions being undertaken with the Welsh Government on its grant funding. In relation to the review of the 20mph limit, a lead chief officer had been appointed to inform the review of the Welsh Police Forces response and he would provide an update at a future Panel meeting.

In relation to a question on a recent report published on Road Safety within Powys, the Commissioner advised whilst he had not yet read the report the situation was not unique to Powys. However, he would agenda an item thereon for a future meeting of the Panel.

With regard to the decision on the sale of the existing Pembroke Dock Police Station and the Purchase of a property on Argyle Street, the Commissioner advised those decisions had been made on the basis of future proofing police provision in the area and providing modern working facilities for officers. He further advised the force would shortly be reviewing its estate strategy.

RESOLVED that the report be received.