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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That Councillor Alan Hunter be appointed as Vice-Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for 2024/2025.
RESOLVED That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2024 be approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the draft North Wales Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2028 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Police and Crime Commissioner’s periodic update be noted.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
RESOLVED: That the forward work programme be approved, subject to the inclusion of a presentation from the Road Safety Unit.
RESOLVED: That Pat Astbury be re-appointed as the representative on the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels.
It was proposed and seconded that Pat Astbury be appointed as Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for 2024/2025. RESOLVED That Pat Astbury be appointed as Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for 2024/2025.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Alan Hunter be appointed as Vice-Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for 2024/2025.
It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Alan Hunter be appointed as Vice-Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for 2024/2025. RESOLVED That Councillor Alan Hunter be appointed as Vice-Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel for 2024/2025.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Nigel Williams and Councillor Louise Emery.
None.
None.
The Chair advised Members that the Home Office was currently undertaking a consultation on remote and hybrid attendance as well as proxy voting and the Police and Crime Panel would respond in support of hybrid attendance in exceptional circumstances.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2024 be approved as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2024 were presented for approval. RESOLVED That the minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2024 be approved as a correct record.
A number of questions had been submitted to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) from Panel Members. The responses to the questions are attached as an appendix to these minutes. In line with the protocol, supplementary questions were asked as follows: Councillor Chris Bithell questioned whether there was evidence that shoplifting offences were being carried out by foreign organised crime groups. In response, the Chief Constable advised that concentrated efforts had been made to reduce shoplifting and retail crime. Evidence suggested that retail crime was primarily linked to drug and alcohol misuse. Organised crime groups were being targeted and dismantled on a national level, and this was not location-specific. Councillor Chris Bithell thanked the PCC for the response to concerns regarding the safety of e-scooters and e-bikes, and their legality for use on roads and busy streets. Councillor Non Dafydd thanked the PCC for the response and extended an invite to the PCC to visit Anglesey, in order to identify any opportunities for potential mobile CCTV use.
In relation to Minute 65 – Periodic Update by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, it was noted that the impact of the 20 mph restriction on road safety would be reviewed accordingly and the Police and Crime Panel would be informed of the findings.
Updates were provided on the following: Member Champion for the Victims Panel Councillor Non Dafydd advised that she had sat on a recent Victims Panel, when a number of victims of crime gave an account of their experience of the criminal justice system. The Victims Panel provided an opportunity for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissoner to understand the issues which affected victims of crime and enabled them to put in place support and advice. Councillor Non Dafydd thanked the Victims Panel for their service provision, and emphasized the importance of listening and compassion towards victims of crime. Member Champion for Professional Standards Councillor Chris Bithell provided an update on the following: · Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) Data – Quarter 2: - 284 complaint cases were logged during this period, which was below the same period last year (SPLY) (310) and significantly below Most Similar Force (MSF) average (463). - Average working days to contact complainant was 3 days, which was below the SPLY (11), MSF (14) and national average (7). - 70% of complaints were about delivery of duties and service or police powers, policies and procedures. · Professional Standards Department (PSD) complaints: - 70 were live cases - 22 were appeal or review cases - There had been 3 cases referred to Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent investigation · Cases of individual and organisational learning had increased by 32% in 2024. · There were currently 26 live cases related to police conduct, 2 of which were IOPC led investigations. · Numbers of Hearings and Meetings: - 7 hearings has been finalised - 2 hearings were scheduled - 8 meetings had been finalised · Intelligence logs: - There were 18 different methods of reporting in 2024 - Self-referral or police personnel remained the highest % of logs, as individuals updated the Anti- Corruption Unit with their own notifiable associations - Only 3% of reports came from the public - The National Anti-Corruption line had replaced Crime Stoppers: - In 2023 there were three Crime Stoppers reports, however in 2024, 32 reports via the new national line had been made. This suggested an increased trust and confidence in reporting via this new method. - Furthermore, this data suggested a healthy culture where the workforce felt able to challenge and report concerns Member Champion for Road Safety: Pat Asbury gave an update as follows: • A BRAKE caseworker was due to be employed in January 2025 • The Rural Crime Team had attended agricultural shows during the summer months • It was noted that the Police and Crime Commissioner had quarterly meetings with the farming unions.
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) received a presentation from Diane Jones (Programme Lead), Alison Watkin (Partnerships Manager) and Owain Llewellyn (Local Policing Service Area Superintendent) on the North Wales Serious Violence Prevention Partnership. The presentation covered the following: • The Serious Violence Duty • The key priorities of the partnership • The key findings of the Strategic Needs Assessment • The principle behind the Community Safety Partnership • The Community Safety Partnerships response and delivery in relation to the Serious Violence Duty • Project RENEW which was an initiative in Rhyl West using a combination of targeted high-visibility police operations alongside support from partners to protect communities • Drugs intelligence in Rhyl West • Crime demand in Rhyl West The Chair thanked the Officers for the presentation and discussion took place on the following: • The reduction in Crime in the Rhyl West areas was acknowledged and a member of the Panel questioned whether the Project Renew could be extended to other areas in Rhyl. In response, it was noted that an assessment of the demographics was undertaken to identify crime hotspots. • In relation to displacement, it was noted that data did not seem to suggest that criminal activity had moved to surrounding areas. • The partnership worked with Education Services, with DASU undertaking education programmes in primary schools, which would be extended to secondary schools from the end of March 2025. • Support from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was noted and their role as a key partner in project was highlighted. • The importance of social media presence was noted in bolstering community trust in the project. The PCP thanked the Officers for the presentation, which would be circulated to Members of the Panel.
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) received a presentation from Anna Baker (Checkpoint Cymru Lead) on Checkpoint Cymru. The presentation covered the following: · The purpose of Checkpoint Cymru as a diversion programme to reduce re-offending · The eligibility for Checkpoint Cymru and the compulsory requirements and conditions for engagement in the service · Adaptations made by the service as a result of Covid-19 · The benefits of Checkpoint Cymru including reductions in re-offending, safer communities and reduced long-term demand on police and other agencies · Checkpoint Cymru worked collaboratively with a number of organisations to ensure relevant referral within consideration for local resources · The demographic data of those accessing the service · It was noted that the highest number of offenders accessing Checkpoint Cymru were re-offenders, suggesting the service was being used appropriately · There was an 88% successful completion of the programme reported · Case studies of successful service users were presented · Checkpoint Cymru had been quoted in the Anglesey Problem Solving Newsletter for its efficacy in supporting an individual who was misusing the Emergency System · Future considerations involved addressing gaps in support, promoting more restorative justice and expanding the programme with more complex cases · The introduction of Cautioning and Relationship Abuse (CARA) and ‘LIBRA’ would be introduced as part of Checkpoint in 2025. The Chair thanked the Officers for the presentation and discussion took place on the following: · The role of Checkpoint Cymru in reducing reoffending was acknowledged · Referrals occur at the point of admission of guilt, supported by strong communications between the Police force and Checkpoint Cymru · Checkpoint Cymru provided more flexible and person-centred interventions in comparison to the Probation Service · Recidivism reports were not currently available, however alternative methods of assessing criminal behavioural relapse were to be looked at for future consideration · Checkpoint Cymru does not currently support offenders of Domestic Violence (DV), however they are able to provide DV support for both perpetrators and victims referred under a different offence. The PCP thanked the Officers for the presentation.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the draft North Wales Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2028 be noted.
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) received the Draft North Wales Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2028. The priorities and objectives of the draft Police and Crime Plan included: - Tackling Serious and organised crime within communities - Tackling and preventing rural and wildlife crime - Road safety - Anti-social behaviour - Supporting victims, communities and business - Violence against women and girls - Business and retail crime - Ensuring a quality and timely response increasing public satisfaction and confidence - Cybercrime - Tackling hate crime - Tackling modern slavery, human trafficking and organise immigration crime - Domestic Violence Perpetrators - North Wales Victim’s Panel - Equality, diversity, inclusion and ethics. The Police and Crime Plan also provided details of funding of the North Wales Police and the performance framework, which had been introduced to ensure clear, measurable, achievable, relevant metrics and targets were being used to track and demonstrate progress. Members reviewed the Police and Crime Plan report and the discussion was as follows: · Honour based violence against women and girls’ was clarified as a religiously motivated act of violence · The Police and Crime Commissioner confirmed that he was minded to review the financial contribution to Local Authorities towards CCTV as well as the Coroners Service during the next precept setting process. · Cybercrime prevention was a key priority under the new Plan and significant work had occurred to reduce the frequency of cybercrime. The Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) was noted as providing significant support in relation to this. · Road Safety and the use of cameras to identify drink drivers. It was noted that amendments to the plan would be made during the new year, with the final version to be presented to the PCP in January 2025 for approval. RESOLVED: That the draft North Wales Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2028 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Police and Crime Commissioner’s periodic update be noted.
The Police and Crime Panel was presented with the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) periodic update for the period of the 1st of August 2024 to the 1st of November 2024. The report provided an overview of the decisions made by the PCC and other scrutiny activities and actions over the term of the report. In scrutinising the report, the following was noted: · The reduction in the number of fatal road casualties across the region, however its relation to the new 20 mph zones could not yet be confirmed. An analysis of this data would be presented in approximately six months. · The significant amount of work undertaken to support and educate motorcycle communities was acknowledged, which had been the largest targeted area for road safety concerns. · Education within schools around road safety and young drivers had occurred with support from the Olivia Alkir Campaign, with future work intended for 2025. RESOLVED: That the Police and Crime Commissioner’s periodic update be noted.
Part of an issue followed across 3 meetings
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) was presented with an update on the 2024/2025 Budget. The Chief Finance Officer highlighted the following: • The timely completion of the audit meant there was a high degree of confidence regarding the financial position for preparing the budget for 2025/26 and the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) • For 2024/25, the overall revenue budget was slightly underspent, which comprised a number of projected over and underspends • Storm Darragh, and other extreme weather events throughout the year had been funded by the contingency and therefore had not changed the net budget. • The work to set the 2025/26 budget and the MTFP was ongoing, which would enable to Police and Crime Commissioner to set a budget and future direction to support the delivery of the priorities in the new Police and Crime Plan. • The provisional settlement was due shortly, and consequently the precept would be under consideration. • The budget would be presented to the PCP on 27 January 2025. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) was presented with the end of year monitoring report on the use of the PCP grant and the expenses incurred during the period 01/04/24 – 30/09/24. It was noted that a total of £20,358 had been claimed in the sixth month period, and the expenses incurred for the meeting in September 2024 would be claimed in the next claim. The end of year monitoring report would be presented in June 2025. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The North Wales Police and Crime Panel (PCP) was presented with the summary of complaints received against the Police and Crime Commissioner between September 2023 and September 2024. The PCP had received one recordable complaint during the period September 2023 to September 2024. However, it was noted that this complaint was a historic complaint, and that there had been no complaints made against the current Police and Crime Commissioner during the reporting period. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the forward work programme be approved, subject to the inclusion of a presentation from the Road Safety Unit.
Members were presented with the Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the North Wales Police and Crime Panel. It was agreed that a presentation from the Road Safety Unit be scheduled for 2025. RESOLVED: That the forward work programme be approved, subject to the inclusion of a presentation from the Road Safety Unit.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That Pat Astbury be re-appointed as the representative on the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels.
It was proposed and seconded that Pat Astbury be re-appointed as the representative on the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels. RESOLVED: That Pat Astbury be re-appointed as the representative on the National Association of Police, Fire and Crime Panels.
The next meeting of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel would take place on 27 January 2025 at 2.00 pm.
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