The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “V”) gives an update of some of the work undertaken by the Bradford West Area Neighbourhood Policing Team and an overview of the Bradford West Constituency Performance data.

Recommended –

(1)       That Bradford West Area Committee notes the work undertaken            by the Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team from April      2018 and October 2018 that contributed to addressing priorities       within the ward plans for the Bradford West Area.

(2)       That the Bradford West Area Committee notes the positive          partnership working that has been established with Elected       Members, Council Officers, community organisations, volunteers    and residents within the   Bradford West Area.

(Kate Lightstead – 01274 432597)

(Tom Casey – 01274 376391)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “V”) gave an update of some of the work undertaken by the Bradford West Area Neighbourhood Policing Team and an overview of the Bradford West Constituency Performance data.

The Policing Team was represented by a Police Inspector who introduced the report to the Committee. He explained that there are now named Police and Council Ward Officers aligned to Wards across the Area who were supported by designated staff with allocation to specific areas. The boundaries were co-terminus and therefore enable effective co-ordination, tasking and problem solving. Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team worked closely with Bradford Council’s Neighbourhoods Team across the West Constituency. This relationship had been strengthened over the last 7 years, since Bradford West Area Co-Ordinators Office co located to Lawcroft House. A number of joint community initiatives had taken place including piloting new contact points, street surgeries, attendance at parents’ consultation events, fun days and also attendance at other public engagement opportunities. Days of Action had been undertaken including information-giving, door knocking by staff from the teams, traffic operations, fines warrants, and environmental activities. Ward Partnership Team meetings, continued to be supported by partners, including the West Yorkshire Police, Social Landlords, Youth Service, West Yorkshire Fire Service, Environmental Health Officer and Elected Members to problem solving and information-sharing focussing on strategic priorities, entrenched issues and emerging challenges. Neighbourhood officers from the Council and Police had participated in more robust joint patrols and enforcement activities managing school gate parking issues to reduce traffic congestion, illegal / inappropriate parking and risks to pedestrians as well as other road users. Traffic operations were planned throughout the year. The Council’s CCTV car was also deployed to support enforcement activities. Where possible, engagement work including school assembly presentations, attendance at school events to meet parents, children taking part in speed watch and other road safety educational activities had also taken place.

A question and answer session ensued. What were the reasons behind the trend of less crime in the Bradford West area. In response, a repeat offender committing crime due to strong addictions to either alcohol or drugs and eventually get caught, therefore out of the equation can reduce a significant amount of crime in a whole area. The Police equally focused on targeting repeat offenders and crime prevention was also about educating individuals. It was then requested whether it be possible for someone from the EID project team to commence with networking with the NHS and Council for Mosques meetings. It was confirmed that the Police would be more than willing to attend the next meeting.

The Committee profusely thanked the Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team and in particular, praised the Police Inspector lead of the Bradford West area for exceptional efforts in trying to keep the Bradford West area safe and for maintaining strong relationships with individual Members and communities.

Resolved –

(1)       That the work undertaken by the Bradford West Neighbourhood           Policing Team from April 2018 and October 2018 that contributed            to addressing priorities within the ward plans for the Bradford      West Area be noted.

(2)       That the positive partnership working that has been established           with Elected Members, Council Officers, community      organisations, volunteers and residents within the Bradford West             Area be noted.

LEAD: Strategic Director, Place

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate