Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Meeting held on 19^th October, 2016 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October 2016 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

All Members of Council have been invited to attend the meeting for this item. 

The Chairman welcomed Chief Inspector Ian Cooper and Inspector Steve Bell, Lancashire Constabulary to the meeting.

The Chief Inspector gave the Committee an overview of the current situation with community policing within the Lancaster District. It was reported that strategic change in the way community policing was occurring was taking place, with leadership being place based rather than being in one central location for the County.

The importance of early intervention and the need for the police to work with its partners were stressed.

Members discussed the growing use of social media in community policing and how this had taken the place of PACT meetings.  It was reported that PACT meetings had, in their time, been useful meetings but with limited Police resources they were a drain on time and only took into account the same people at each meeting. Social media was seen as far reaching and enabled the Police to engage with more people in a less resource intensive manner.

The Committee went on to consider issues in the West End of Morecambe. It was hoped that the transformation challenge award scheme that was about to commence would help with this issue making the community more resilient.

Members asked a number of questions relating to PCSOs and coverage, rural policing, cross border working and young people’s projects such as the Princes Trust and Police Cadet scheme.

Resolved :

That Chief Inspector Ian Cooper and Inspector Steve Bell be thanked for their attendance at the meeting.

A Review note is attached. 

The Chairman welcomed the Chief Officer (Environment) to the meeting.

Members were given an overview of the work of the Community Safety Partnership. It was noted that the current Community Safety Partnership priorities were :

·         Violence against the person

·         Anti-social behaviour

·         Road Safety

·         Domestic Abuse

·         Burglary other than a dwelling

The Committee considered the statistics of crime in the district that had been provided which saw an increase in domestic violence. Members were advised that this could be seen as a positive step as it meant more people had the confidence to report the crime.

Members went on to discuss CCTV provision within the district which would cease at the end of March 2017. It was reported that CCTV was not a Community Safety Partnership priority, but the City Council was working with its partners to look at possible revenue and capital funding for a replacement system.

Resolved :-

That the update be noted.

To consider the Council Motion relating to a diverse and tolerant society referred from the Council meeting held on 13^th July 2016 (attached). 

The officer briefing note provided for Full Council with the motion is also attached for the Committee’s information. 

Members were requested to consider a Motion that had been referred to the Committee by Council relating to a Review of Measures taken to counter Racism, Xenophobia and Hate Crime.

It was suggested that the Community Safety Partnership could be requested to consider the issue at a special themed meeting, invite interested parties and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

It was unanimously agreed :

Resolved :

That the Committee request the Community Safety Partnership to consider the issue of Racism, Xenophobia and Hate Crime at a themed meeting in the New Year and that all interest parties including Lancaster University and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be invited to attend.

Cabinet Member with responsibility for:

·         Community Safety

·         Clean and Green

Councillor Brendan Hughes has been invited to the meeting. 

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Brendan Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety and Clean & Green, to the meeting.

Members were given the opportunity to ask questions.

The Committee discussed Ryelands Park, anti-social behaviour in Happy Mount Park, safe social areas and green bin collection.

Resolved :

That Councillor Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety and

Clean & Green, be thanked for his attendance at the meeting.

It was noted that there had not been any requests for items to be considered in accordance with the Councillor Call for Action process.

It was noted that there had not been any requests for items to be considered in the accordance with the Consideration of Petitions process.