Agenda, decisions and minutes

Whilst not a Member of the Advisory Board, the Leader (Councillor N Heslop) had offered his apologies that he was unable to attend due to a prior work commitment.  In addition, the Deputy Mayor (Councillor Baldock), whilst not a Member of the Advisory Board offered his apologies.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Notes of the meeting of the Community Safety Advisory Board held on 1 April 2014

RESOLVED:  That the notes of the meeting of the Community Safety Advisory Board held on 1 April 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman welcomed the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent (Ann Barnes) and the Deputy Chief Constable (Paul Brandon) who gave presentations on their roles and responsibilities and how they connected with local authorities. 

Particular reference was made to increased partnership working and the excellent job of the Community Safety Partnership, especially in helping vulnerable residents and those most at risk from crime.

The new policing model was outlined and it was explained that, due to the significant budget pressures, different methods of service delivery were being explored.   These included reducing the demand on the police force by partnership working and collaboration and the better and innovative use of technology.  However, it was emphasised that Kent Police remained committed to providing a quality service, focused on crime and criminals, with visible and engaged leadership at every level and putting victims and witnesses first.

Finally, both speakers recognised that the continuing Comprehensive Spending Review remained a significant challenge for the future and which might have implications for service delivery.   It was reiterated that the new policing model currently in place represented best value for money and remained focused on the provision of a quality service.

In response to a question regarding the regular turnover of community police officers, the Deputy Chief Constable advised that Kent Police were committed to neighbourhood policing and there was an expectation that officers would remain in post for at least two years to provide consistency and create good working relationships.   However, this expectation could not be guaranteed due to a number of factors such as promotion or relocating for personal reasons.

Members expressed concern regarding the lack of police presence during major roadworks, such as the A21 Pembury dualling scheme which was due to commence in the near future, and addressing speeding and ‘rat running’ through rural villages.   The Deputy Chief Constable assured the Advisory Board that Kent Police liaised with Kent County Council whenever there was a major traffic scheme but there were difficult choices to make regarding priorities due to resource pressures.     However, a police presence would be considered for the A21 although manpower could not be guaranteed.

The Police and Crime Commissioner reiterated the serious resource issues being experienced by the police force, reminded Members of the greater powers and responsibilities at a local level and urgedthat the Borough Commander for Tonbridge and Malling (Inspector Gill Ellis) be contacted regarding local issues. 

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Community Safety thanked the Police and Crime Commissioner for the financial support given to the Community Safety Partnership, which gave a valuable service to communities and vulnerable residents.   Reference was made to the Port of Dover and whether it created any implications for policing.  The Deputy Chief Constable advised that Kent Police received a significant amount of funding from Government to police Dover and there was a focus on vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which targeted issues around freight.

Decision Notice: D140124MEM

The report of the Director of Central Services outlined the new powers contained in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which came into effect on 20 October 2014 and was intended to introduce simpler, more effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour that provided better protection for victims and communities.

Particular reference was made to the ‘community trigger’ which allowed the public to request a review of the actions taken around anti-social behaviour complaints.  Annex 1 to the report showed the threshold and procedures discussed by the Kent Community Safety Partnership.

In addition, implications for the Borough Council were set out, together with the measures being considered to address the new powers.      Members expressed concern regarding the potential for vexatious complainants and the need to continue collecting evidence to support any review of actions taken.  The Licensing and Community Safety Manager indicated that it was presently unclear how the final process would be managed but a progress report on the challenges faced would be given at a future meeting of the Advisory Board. 

Reference was made to the public spaces protection order and whether this could be used to address anti-social behaviour at Leybourne Lakes Country Park by granting additional powers to the rangers.   It was felt that this was probably appropriate, in principle, but investigation was needed as to how this would be implemented. 

It was noted that the new powers were additional tools to help tackle, and would not prevent, anti-social behaviour.  It was, therefore, important to ensure that public expectations were not raised unduly and that they continued to be confident that the Borough Council, with partners, was committed to addressing any anti-social behaviour issues.

RECOMMENDED:  that the contents of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act be supported and noted.

Decision Notice: D140125MEM

The report provided an update on progress made on the Community Safety Partnership Action Plan 2014/15 for the first two quarters of the year.  The key priorities to be tackled during the year were anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and substance misuse.

It was noted that it was a statutory requirement (Police and Justice Act 2006) for the Community Safety Partnership to provide an annual review of the Action Plan.

RECOMMENDED:  That the progress made against the actions set out in the Community Safety Partnership Action Plan, as set out in Annex 1 to the report, be supported and endorsed.

The report of the Director of Central Services provided an update on some of the recent work of the Tonbridge and Malling Community Safety Partnership and the Community Safety Unit.

Members expressed appreciation to all the organisations involved for their contribution to the great success of the Community Safety Partnership and the Community Safety Unit. 

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.