MINUTES OF THE POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER S PERFORMANCE AND SCRUTINY GROUP TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2017 POLICE MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY, 5 th FLOOR, 20 CHAPEL STREET, LIVERPOOL 3 at 9.00 am Attendance Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Merseyside Jane Kennedy - Police and Crime Commissioner (Chair) Emily Spurrell - Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner John Riley - Chief Finance Officer Kim Dawson - Community Engagement Officer Merseyside Police Carl Foulkes - Deputy Chief Constable Serena Kennedy - Assistant Chief Constable (Investigation and Intelligence) Julie Cooke - Assistant Chief Constable (Local Policing and Criminal Justice) Ian Critchley - Assistant Chief Constable (Response and Resolution) Geoff Broadhead - Director of Resources Louise Kane - Corporate Support and Development (Head of Operational Support) Paul Vautrinot - Corporate Support and Development (Secretary) Apologies for Absence Clive Howarth - Chief Executive, OPCCM OPEN MINUTES (FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REFERS) 1. Minutes of the Last Meeting and Actions Tracker The minutes of the last meeting held on 22 September 2017 were accepted as a true and accurate record. Members also considered written updates in respect of actions from the last meeting, which were noted. 2. Workforce Members considered the latest statistics on sickness absence, which showed that over the first six months of 2017/18 sickness absence stood at 5% for police officers and 4.2% for police staff, a small increase compared to the same period in 2016/17, with the upward trend continuing in recent months. The Force continued to target hotspot areas such as Response and Resolution where, historically, the requirement to work shift patterns had resulted in higher levels of sickness absence. Recent interventions and changes to working practices had resulted in sickness absence falling to 4%. In relation to the Force Contact Centre, it was envisaged that implementation of a revised method of allocating shifts and the filling of vacancies would enable levels of sickness absence to improve from April/May 2018. Page 1 of 6
In order to improve health and welfare, and reduce levels of sickness absence, a number of wellbeing initiatives had been introduced across the Force. In addition, a force-wide review of all live cases of sickness absence, due to be completed by the end of December 2017, would enable the Force to learn how sickness absence could be better managed. The Force was also looking to review and reduce workloads to create capacity and ease levels of stress. Members also received an update on the Force s economic position and budget. The PCC was advised that following a period where the Force had been shown a modest overspend, due to receipts from POCA and major events, the Force was now carrying a slight underspend at the mid-year point. 3. HMIC Programme of Work Members received and noted the HMIC Programme of Work, including an update on the reports and inspections due. The new requirement to produce Force Management Statements was discussed at length and the PCC was advised of the self-assessment process. Members concurred that the requirement to produce such statements would be very time consuming and resource intensive, with little or no value to the Force. The PCC added that the HMIC report template did not allow for the PCC s requirement to maintain a policing style and deliver priorities to be properly taken into account. The level of HMIC inspections was also expected to increase. In conclusion, this issue would be further discussed at a regional level. In response to a query from the Deputy PCC, members were informed that following the HMIC inspection of domestic abuse, a domestic abuse strategy was being developed and an internal action plan incorporating national recommendations was in place. The internal action plan would also feed into the SDVAG action plan. Members were further advised that the Force was seeking to improve victim satisfaction rates, and feedback from victims via IDVAs was being formally received from local authorities. In future, the Force would seek to receive this information directly from victims. On a related point, the PCC indicated that in order to improve IDVA provision, OPCCM were looking to revise the process for commissioning independent advocate domestic violence services, inviting local authority services to work to a specific specification determined by the PCC. 4. Crime Data Integrity Members considered the latest crime data integrity chart showing current levels of compliance with the National Crime Recording Standards in relation to sexual offences, violence, domestic crime and domestic incidents, which was generally very good. The DCC advised members that the Force had undertaken a great deal of work to comply with HMIC recommendations, but highlighted that HMIC had adopted a fundamentally different approach to inspections, using changed methodology and criteria. Potentially, interpretation was an issue. Merseyside Police were now recording 9% additional crimes compared to 12 months ago, with domestic abuse up by 11%. The update and figures were noted. 5. Performance Overview a) Prevent Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour The PCC drew attention to the chart depicting crime volume, outcome volume and outcome rate. This was unrelated data but provided a visual demonstration of increased crime volumes, partly attributable to HMIC counting rules, and reduced solved outcomes. This unrelated data made it difficult to accurately assess Force performance. Page 2 of 6
Generally speaking, the Force had not experienced less knife crime than other forces and had recorded a spike in October. The Force had provided a coordinated response to knife crime, which was principally associated with the night-time economy and hotspot areas, and would continue to be monitored. When necessary, the Force reinvigorated its 4 Ps plan to address any increases in violence. The Force had also recorded an increase in assaults on police officers, but this was due to strict adherence to a 7 point plan, a nationally recognised process, and not to a real increase in assaults on police officers. In terms of violence without injury, the Force had recorded a 22% increase in common assault and harassment, and a 202% increase in coercive control which was seen a positive step forward. In reply to a query from the Chief Finance Officer, who noted that the volume of violence had decreased since the last quarter, members were advised that this was largely due to increased scrutiny and governance, together with a real drive to progress domestic abuse cases through the CPS and, if necessary, challenge decisions. The Deputy PCC noted that the incidence of burglary had increased over the last quarter, whilst outcome rates remained low. There did not appear to be an obvious reason for this increase and it was assumed this increase was part of the general increase in all crime. The Force evaluated burglary performance at daily management meetings, weekly threat, harm and risk meetings, and monthly crime meetings, which included scrutiny of car key burglaries. The largest increase in burglary dwelling comprised a 24% increase in car key burglaries and a specific operation had been put in place to tackle such crime in hotspot areas, including dump sites. A further overarching operation was in place to tackle the expected seasonal increase in burglary during the period before Christmas. The principal reason for the reduction in the outcome volume of burglary was the withdrawal of converter teams, but there was still opportunity to record offences taken into consideration. The Force was looking to improve burglary outcome rates by better use of forensics, and a forensic governance meeting had been introduced to drive up performance. Specialist interviewers were also in the process of dip sampling interviews with suspects to identify and cascade learning and circulate best investigative practice. The receipt and use of intelligence was also being reviewed. In addition, four different methods of responding to burglary were being trialled in investigative hubs. The trials were being undertaken in consultation with local policing to establish and implement the most effective evidence based model for tackling burglary. In relation to robbery, the PCC noted that there had been a spike in incidents recorded in July 2017, with incidents then falling over the remainder of the quarter. The PCC was informed that in response to this spike in robbery, which had occurred principally in Liverpool city centre and linked to the night-time economy and tourism, Local Policing had provided a speedy and effective response with the incidence of robbery now reduced. The Deputy PCC drew attention to vehicle crime which had reduced in August whilst outcome rates had shown a slight increase. Members were informed that there did not appear to be an obvious reason for this reduction and appeared to be part of a natural cycle rather than a change in trends. There had been a broader targeted policing operation in Liverpool and this may have impacted on would be offenders opportunities to commit such crime. New governance structures focusing on performance and use of forensics may have accounted for a modest increase in outcome rates. Those cases which did not result in an outcome i.e. where there was no forensic opportunity and no obvious line of enquiry, were treated as undetected crimes and filed at source. Members went on to discuss anti-social behaviour, which had shown a reduction in reported incidents in comparison to the same period last year. Members were informed that, as expected, there had been an increase in the incidence of anti-social behaviour in the summer months but not to the same degree as in previous years, there being a 12% reduction in comparison to previous years. This reduction was attributed to the use of new anti-social behaviour legislation. Members were then provided with a full breakdown of figures pertaining to the predicted increase in anti-social behaviour on 30 and 31 st October and 5 th November 2017. In summary, the Force had adopted a different approach where police resources had been deployed in pulses, with an overall reduction of police officers and police staff deployed. Notwithstanding a small increase in reports of anti-social behaviour, the policing of these key dates was considered a success. Page 3 of 6
b) Provide a Visible and Accessible Neighbourhood Policing Style Members considered charts showing stop search trends from September 2014 to August 2017, together with a further breakdown by age/gender. In response to a query from the Chief Finance Officer, members were informed that Hydra training, which was designed to refresh officers knowledge and improve confidence in the use of stop search, had been well received by officers. There had been a steady increase in the use of stop search from a low of 500 in May 2015 to an average of 850-900, but unless a survey was conducted it would not be possible to state with certainty that this training had directly resulted in this increase. Using Pronto devices, the quality of the data had improved to an average 96% accuracy and positive outcomes had also improved. There was no disproportionality in the use of stop search in relation to BME, however, there was slight disproportionality in respect of those individuals who self-defined as black. Merseyside Independent Advisory Group dip sampled stop search records and complaints in the use of stop search had shown no sign of increasing. Members went on to consider the use of Taser from 2014-2017. Despite a recent slight increase in the use of Taser, overall use remained at a low level. Members were provided with a description of the graduated process for use of Taser, which comprised the drawing of the device followed by aiming, red dot and, finally, as a last resort, firing. There was also an option to use the device in a drive stun mode where the device was applied directly to the assailant. Members also considered use of force, including a breakdown of data from July to August 2017, which was noted. In terms of complaints against police there was no obvious reason for a reduction in September. Members were advised that 5 officers had been dismissed from the Force or were required to resign in 2016/17 and 12 in 2017/18. Officers were to be reminded of the requirement to discharge their duties with utmost integrity and professionalism, meeting to the very high standards expected of the organisation. Levels of victim satisfaction remained at a stable rate. In relation to victim satisfaction whole experience by crime type, the Force was to be more selective when sending out questionnaires. Previously, forms had been sent to individuals where some questions had not been applicable to their particular circumstances. The Force would be looking to send questionnaires to persons who had been involved in the whole process, not just initial contact, to better understand factors behind user satisfaction. From April 2018 there would be no requirement to complete and submit annual data returns. As an alternative, the Force would be seeking feedback from a broader spectrum of the public including individuals coming into contact with the police not necessarily through crime related matters but by other means, for example, via the website. The meeting also considered average detention times persons spent in police custody. The average number of hours persons had been detained had reduced since the last quarter. Members were advised that the Force was striving to reduce the time persons spent in custody and was focusing on alternatives such as voluntary attendance. Those persons who were detained often required complex support, for example, individuals with mental health issues, and two thirds required medical support which extended time spent in custody. Page 4 of 6
c) Support Victims, Protect Vulnerable People and Maintain Public Safety Members considered crime comparisons and crime outcomes, which were noted. The PCC highlighted that recorded incidents of rape had increased over the previous months and outcome rates had improved within the same timeframe. The meeting was informed that as a result of changes to the Home Office Counting Rules, rape had increased by 57%, with each offence now being recorded separately. For example, two single victims had resulted in 31 and 19 offences being recorded, whereas previously this would have been recorded as two crimes. From May 2017 the recording of individuals and number of rapes had been automated. Reports of rape continued to originate from both present day offences, with the public strongly encouraged to report such crime, and also historical cases where story lines on TV soaps and the dramatisation of the Rochdale case had resulted in increased reporting. An improvement in outcome rates since June was associated with a change in policy, better understanding of data and cases being investigated more expeditiously. A bespoke review of rape had resulted in 11 recommendations for change and resulted in greater focus and scrutiny of all cases. The Force were no charging more offenders and conviction rates were significantly above the national average. Issues relating to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre had been largely resolved. A quarterly meeting had been introduced to improve scrutiny of cases and measures put in place to ensure the right level of service was provided. The Chief Finance Officer drew attention to hate crime where reported incidents had reduced slightly over the last quarter. There had been a reduction of reports received via third parties, which was being closely monitored. Steps were being taken to publicise hate crime to improve public awareness of what constituted hate crime and encourage offences to be reported. The PCC highlighted cyber-crime where reported incidents had remained at a fairly constant level. The PCC stated that there was a strong correlation between awareness of cyber-crime and levels of reporting, and therefore asked whether any awareness campaigns were in place. The PCC was informed that initiatives such as Get Safe Online were in place. The Force utilised stalls at pop-up events in key locations and worked with local businesses to deliver key messages about security and fraud risks. In line with the NPCC nationally agreed strategy, by April 2018, the Force would implement a dedicated cyber dependent investigation capability and work closely with the regional cybercrime team at NW ROCU. The Force was also working with City of London Police and Action Fraud, and the Force now reviewed its own cases to identify vulnerability. Finally, the Force was seeking to obtain the services of specialists in this field through the industry and via Specials and volunteers. In response to a query from the Deputy PCC in relation to the decrease in Section 136 mental health detentions, members were informed that the Force had commenced multi agency High Demand Action Plans (HDAPs) in relation to certain individuals who were frequently detained under Section 136. Mental Health services were keen for these individuals not to be detained under S136 as this compounded this behaviour. The use of HDAPs largely accounted for the reduction in Section 136 detentions. Members were provided with an explanation of the way in which the Force recorded cases of honour based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Since February 2016 the Force had recorded a total of 131 cases, 37 of which involved investigations into criminal allegations. There had been no cases crimed as female genital mutilation but there were some cases involving forced marriage. Cases tended to be referred to the police through medical practitioners. Page 5 of 6
Members received an update on improvements being made to call handling and emergency response. Response times had been stable during the last three months, with 73% of all emergency calls receiving a response within 10 minutes and 91% of all emergency calls receiving a response within 15 minutes. Owing to the implementation of a new shift system, on occasions, the Force had achieved a level of 85% emergency calls responded to within 10 minutes, with an overall improving trend. Between January and May 2018 a number of additional officers would be deployed to the response and resolution portfolio and a full establishment achieved. This would enable the service to be delivered in accordance with the desired model and it was envisaged that performance for emergency response within 10 minutes should gradually improve towards 90%. The way in which the Force responded to calls for service and customer behaviour was also being reviewed. It was agreed that ACC Response and Resolution regularly update the PCC on progress. ACC R&R Members discussed charts and figures on current levels of persons Killed or Seriously Injured (KSIs) on Merseyside roads, together with enforcement activity. Figures showed that comparing the period January to September 2016 with the same period in 2017 enforcement activity had reduced, whilst the number of KSIs had fallen from 445 to 344, although there had been a recent spate in fatalities. Cyclist KSIs had reduced from 98 to 87, motorcyclists 86 to 78, seniors 98 to 87 and adult pedestrians 40 to 33, although it was acknowledged that the Force needed to do more to further reduce KSIs. The Road Safety Partnership had agreed to fund a team of officers but currently this was not fully staffed. The PCC noted that the Roads Safety Partnership was well resourced and there was a need to improve both road conditions and signage. d) Tackling Serious and Organised Crime Members considered charts and statistics in relation to firearms discharge trends from 2009-2017 and murder trends from 2004-2017, which were noted. 6. Any Other Business No items were raised. 7. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the PCC s Performance and Scrutiny Group will take place on Tuesday 6 March 2018 at Police Mutual Assurance Society, 20 Chapel Street, Liverpool 3, commencing at 9.30 am. Abbreviation/ Acronym BME CPS HMIC IDVA KSI NW ROCU OPCCM PCC POCA SDVAG 4Ps Definition Black and Minority Ethnic Crown Prosecution Service Her Majesty s Inspectorate of Constabulary Independent Domestic Abuse Advisers Killed or Seriously Injured North West Regional Organised Crime Unit Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Proceeds of Crime Act Serious Domestic Violence Action Group Prevent, Pursue, Protect Prepare Page 6 of 6