Agenda item

[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 the suggestion and advised that in preparing the Plan, it was recognised it needed to be more strategic, as opposed to prescriptive, and to ensure communities took advantage of the advice available. He advised he would consider the above suggestion on officers meeting with council officers.

·         In response to a question, the Police and Crime Commissioner advised whilst there had been a 200% increase in the number of people responding to the Plan consultation, there was room for further improvement. In that regard he would be looking to adopt a more blended approach to future consultations to include in person, digitally and within the community

RESOLVED that the Review of the Police and Crime Plan be supported and that the Panel inform the Police and Crime Commissioner that it had no recommendations to make thereon.