The Strategic Director Environment and Sport will submit a report (Document “AC”) which updates members on the policing approaches to policing across Bradford district.

Recommended –

That Members consider the new policing arrangements for the Bradford District.

The Strategic Director Environment and Sport submitted a report (Document “AC”) which updated members on the policing approaches to policing across the Bradford district.

Representatives from West Yorkshire Police gave a brief overview on the policing approaches.  Particular reference was made to the changes in delivering problem solving, which had been refined to ensure there are dedicated problem solvers across the district.

It was stated that problems were identified by statutory bodies and assessed on vulnerability, and appropriate resources were then deployed to address the problem.  Currently there were approximately 100 live problem solving occurrences across the district.

The Police representative alluded to a number of positive examples of problem solving and partnership working at a local level, which demonstrated the strengthened approach of a investment at a ward level; examples included officers in Keighley securing 12 civil gang injunctions; tackling an increased anti-social behaviour in the Holmewood area had been effective in reducing criminal damage.

During the discussion the Chair ascertained how the Police liaised with elected Members when there were particular serious incidents of crime in their ward.  In response the Police representative stressed that where there was a level of tension or a particular serious crime, the Police would always endeavour to liaise with Ward Councillors and the wider community to ascertain who the perpetrators are and also how any wider community issues could be addressed.

A number of Members commended the work the Police had done in their respective wards and the difference it had made in resolving pertinent issues.

A Member stated that although the report was a positive one, how was this information being disseminated to the wider public, as there was a perception that many people were unaware of the positive work being undertaken by the Police.   In response the Police representative stated that information about the new policing arrangements had been widely publicised in the media as well as engagement work taking place with the schools and the wider community.

A Member highlighted that many Neighbourhood Watch Schemes had folded due to people’s inability to have access to IT.  In response the Police representative stated that the Police were utilising IT more and more in disseminating information to the public. However it was acknowledged that, where there was an issue with IT access, there were still existing lines of communication, such as Parish Councils, PCSOs that could be utilised.

A Member expressed some concerns in respect of the 101 telephone service and problems in getting a response.  The Police representative acknowledged that there were some issues with the 101 service, which was a national one,  however efforts were now underway to ensure that the call centre was fully staffed and she was confident that any issues would be resolved in due course.

In relation to a question on what the critical risk factors were in achieving policing outcomes going forward, it was explained that it was important to maintain the direction of travel that had been set, together with ensuring that the work of the problem solvers and the multi agency group was maintained.

In terms of the risks, the Police representative stressed that the key priority for the Police was to address crime and threats that were out there, particular in relation to the threat posed by terrorism.

A Member stated that the Police had regular discussions with senior elected members on current and emerging risks, and the relationship between the Council and the Police was a positive one.

The Chair highlighted the need for the Police to build stronger relationships with the local mosques and that this was an area of work, the problem solvers could get involved with.  In response the Assistant Director Neighbourhoods and Customer Services explained that work was already underway to bring together different faith groups and address key issues around policing .

Resolved –

(1)       That representatives from West Yorkshire Police be commended          for attending the meeting and responding to Members’ questions.

(2)       That information on progress be circulated informally to Members        of this Committee in 12 months time.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Environment and Sport