Agenda and minutes

Councillor Mrs Barnett (Chairman) welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs Banevicius and Councillor C Greatorex, Councillor Mrs V Neale (Shenstone Parish Council) and Councillor Mrs J Smith (Curborough Elmhurst Farewell and Chorley Parish Council) and Mrs B Brettell (Burntwood Town Council).

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 7 March 2018 as circulated were received and signed as a correct record. 

(Marisha Place, Lichfield & District Partnership Manager and Mark Smith, Neighbourhood Commander – Lichfield & District Police)

Marisha Place, Lichfield & District Partnership Manager and Mark Smith, Neighbourhood Commander for Lichfield & District area for Staffordshire Police attended the meeting and updated the Parish Forum on Policing in Staffordshire. 

Chief Inspector Mark Smith reported to the Forum that he had been in post since May 2018 and had brought in a new operating model as the previous one was not sustainable from the loss of budget and Officers.  He then reported that there was now 17 Police Officers and 20 PCSOs and approximately 30 to 40 Special Constables.  It was noted that there were less Officers than neighbouring areas due to perceived lower demand. 

Issues and priorities for the local Policing area were then reported to the Forum and it was noted that crime including vehicle theft and burglaries committed from travelling offenders from outside the district was on the increase however traffic officers situated on the main road networks around the area were being utilised.  It was reported that Police Officer’s time was being taken up dealing with the greater responsibility on care including mental health matters.  ‘County Lines’ matters were an increasing concern for the Police and the fact these groups targeted areas where resources were reduced.  The Chief Inspector reported that it was a priority for him and was doing early enforcement to prevent vulnerable people being targeted by these gangs.

It is however reported that ASB had reduced by 5% across the District, a reduction overall in dwelling burglaries and a reduction in drug crime.  It was noted that this remained a priority as it can reduce other crimes.  Domestic abuse was mentioned and that all enquiries were followed up and this had resulted in a reduction in reports of domestic violence.

The Forum had concerns that there were still no resources available in rural areas of the district, including PCSOs and it was reported that the Chief Inspector would look into this further. Members felt overnight patrols were needed as this is when most rural crime took place.  Members also felt that not enough investigation of crimes was taking place.  It was noted that telephone interviews were more common now but this was a nationally agreed process not a local one.

When asked, it was noted that there was no indication of the situation and the resource levels changing in the next 5 years and there will be a greater reliance on digital resources. 

It was asked if there was capacity to go into schools to educate, especially regarding drugs.  It was reported that they were working with Partners to go into schools to do this.

Policing reoffending criminals was discussed and it was reported that there was an Integrated Repeat Offender Officer but there was no power to eject someone from an area, however, partners may if they live in social housing.

Marisha Place and Mark Smith were thanked for their attendance.

RESOLVED:  That the information received be noted.

Presentation by Wayne Mortiboys (Strategic - Delivery Manager, Staffordshire County Council) and Councillor Mrs J Eagland (Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Community Support Member)

Councillor Mrs Janet Eagland, Cabinet Support Member for Community and Wayne Mortiboys, Strategic Delivery Manager for Staffordshire County Council (SCC) gave a Presentation on their initiative “People Helping People”.

Key principles were reported and the speakers said that Staffordshire County Council were focused on aiding community organisations to provide support to residents that need interaction, social activity which in turn increases their healthy wellbeing in turn taking pressure off social care provided by the County Council.  It was noted that 75% of Staffordshire County Council’s budget was spent on residents that had the greatest needs for social care and in ill health.  It was reported that there was a large funding gap in the Staffordshire County Council’s budget and initiatives like this would help close it.

Examples as to how this scheme had helped already were given and Councillor Mrs Janet Eagland explained her role and requested that if any Parish Council or Councillor had any ideas where their community could help residents through events or providing services, to contact her and she would do all she can to support them.

Councillor Mrs Janet Eagland and Wayne Mortiboys were thanked for their attendance.

RESOLVED:  That the information received be noted.

There was no other business discussed.