Minutes:
Insp Anna Woodhouse, Sgt Graham Knight and PCSO Supervsior Lee Baker were in attendance to provide an update on matters within High Peak, together with issues pertinent to the PEEL report.
The following issues were discussed:
· Use of private companies – not for any security matters
· Use of ANPR cameras – fixed and flexible cameras were in use and the information gained was used daily in investigations. There is mobile ANPR in police vehicles. Flexible cameras could be I place at one location for up to 90 days subject to a cost / benefit analysis. Information also obtained from private ANPR systems (petrol station forecourts and retail parks).
· Estates – it was confirmed that the proposed facility in Chapel en le Frith would not be going ahead to enable the response teams to be situated in Buxton and Glossop to ensure a speedy response. Teams would now be operating on a more mobile basis. Plans were in hand to bring Buxton Police Station up to standard within the next 2-3 years, although it was not known whether this would include a custody suite. Reference was made to constrained space for vehicles in the vicinity which would be addressed as part of the re-development.
· Detention cells – use of facilities at Ashton under Lyne and Cheadle – this is working well with current numbers back up to pre Buxton closure and good working relationship with GMP
· Concerns regarding 101 access – this needs to be improved and had been highlighted within the PEEL report – a re-inspection is to take place later this year. Better technology is to be introduced and alternative options such as direct dial mail boxes.
· Recruitment – there had been an uplift in recruitment and High Peak had recruited 19 new officers this year and is now at its establishment number, recruitment would continue. It was noted that there was a nationwide problem with recruiting PCSOs, and that more police officers are now on Safer Neighbourhood Teams. It was also confirmed that Insp Woodhouse will be continuing in her role in High Peak.
· Wellbeing of staff – an inclusive and belonging workplace had been established, and work was on-going as a priority around the mental health wellbeing of staff, including the provision of a good working environment in terms of buildings and facilities and on-going training.
· Communities – members were invited to continue to meet with neighbourhood teams and support events in their areas, efforts would be made to provide more notice of community meetings and to advertise more widely. Reference was made to the high visibility of the SNT teams within communities as well as the social media presence.
· PEEL Report – the comments of the Chief Inspector were conveyed to the committee, which acknowledged that improvements were required in some areas, the force will be inspected again later this year, with the results of that inspection expected around November.
The Chair thanked the representatives for their attendance.
RESOLVED:
1. That the update be noted;
2. That the Police be invited to provide a further update in due course.