The Panel is asked to raise any issues or queries concerning crime and policing in Sussex with the Commissioner.
Minutes:
61. The Panel raised the following issues and questions of the Commissioner:
• The Panel asked whether the Commissioner could provide further information
relating to performance measures and data that she used in order to
evidence the Chief Constable’s successful delivery of the Neighbourhood
Policing Model. The Commissioner advised that she used various data
sources, including police systems as well as HM Inspection data and regular
public and stakeholder meetings. She added that the Chief Constable was
undertaking the new neighbourhood policing review, and that she was happy
for the Panel to look at the performance measures that were being used.
• The Panel asked if the Commissioner was confident that adequate resources
were in place for Lewes Bonfire, as this year’s event was on a Saturday
therefore higher turnout figures were expected. The Commissioner confirmed
that she was confident the Chief Constable had the required resources in
place, and she always ensured that she scrutinised the event afterwards.
• The Panel asked if it could be involved in the design of the review of the new
Neighbourhood Policing Model. The Commissioner advised that she would
ensure that the Chief Constable heard the Panel’s concerns, and that any
specific questions the Panel had could be sent to her.
• The Panel raised concern over the correct recording of crime, and indicated
that Sussex Police should be aiming for a figure of 100%. The Commissioner
explained that 100% was hard to achieve, and that a recent inspection had
raised the Police’s result from 82% to 95% which was a great achievement.
• The Panel asked for the Commissioner to assure members that Sussex Police
did not have cases of sexism in the workplace as some other police forces.
The Commissioner gave that assurance.
• The Panel asked what work was being undertaken to ensure the recruitment,
and career opportunities were there for women and BME communities within
Sussex Police. The Commissioner advised that she sat on the board of the
College of Policing, where work was being undertaken in this area and she
held regular governance meetings to address this topic. She added that a
Unconfirmed minutes – subject to amendment/confirmation at the next meeting of
the Police and Crime Panel
new campaign would be starting in October in order to recruit more police
officers from BME communities.
• The Panel asked for the timescales in relation to the police restructure
concerning police constables and sergeants. The Commissioner confirmed
that as this was an operational question she would get a response outside of
this meeting.
• The Panel asked a question concerning the commissioning of victim services.
The Commissioner explained that she would continue to help fund projects
for victims, and to secure further funding.
• The Panel asked the Commissioner for an update on the 101 service,
specifically any access problems and performance measures that were
available. The Commissioner advised that progress was varied, and that
perhaps the target that had been set was too high. She reminded the Panel
that this was for non-emergency calls and that she continued to monitor this
issue.
• The Panel asked if the Commissioner used benchmarking data from other
areas. The Commissioner confirmed that data was available online that could
be used.
• The Chairman highlighted the issue of transparency in terms of decision
making, and asked if the Commissioner felt her decision reporting was in
enough detail. The Commissioner advised that her decision making had been
audited as good, but that she would look into this issue.