Agenda and minutes

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd March 2012

            Resolved -  That the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd March 2012 be confirmed and signed.

There were no declarations of interest.

Paul Sunners asked the following questions:

1.         In light of the merging of community safety functions between Wiltshire Police and Swindon Borough Council, can the SSCOS Committee provide an update in relation to who now will support the setting-up and co-ordination of local Neighbourhood Watch Schemes?

2.         Where does the principle of support for a stronger youth service receive acknowledgement within the portfolio of responsibilities held by the Committee?

3.         Will police officers from Wiltshire Police support policing and security at the forthcoming Olympic Games?  If so, to what extent in terms of numbers and relative costs?

Phil Thomas responded at the meeting.

Chief Inspector Granger from Wiltshire Police provided the Committee with a highlight of Police successes during the previous 12 months. Crime figures had reduced for Anti-Social Behaviour, Alcohol Abuse, Private Space Violence and Fatalities on the Roads.

The Committee questioned Chief Inspector Granger about various aspects of the Police Work Programme for the forthcoming 12 months.

Resolved – That Chief Inspector Granger be thanked for a useful and informative presentation.

The Cabinet Member for a Safer and Stronger Borough submitted a report setting out the priority areas for the Cabinet Portfolio for a Safer and Stronger Borough for 2012/13.

Phil Thomas took the Committee through the main highlights of the report, identifying the following areas that fall within the remit of the portfolio of a Safer and Stronger Borough.

•          Police Authority/ Police and Crime Commissioner Liaison

•          Community Safety Partnership

•          Environmental and Public Protection Services

•          Gypsies, Travellers and unauthorised encampments

•          Reducing Drugs, Alcohol and Substance misuse

•          Reducing Domestic Abuse

The Committee questioned the Director about various aspects of the work programme and thanked him for a useful and informative presentation.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer submitted

 a report setting out details of the annual Overview and Scrutiny work programme consultation exercise and details of suggested topics for the Safer and Stronger Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme for 2012/13.

Resolved – (1) That, after taking into account the priorities and suggestions of relevant Cabinet Members, the views and concerns of the Police, the Community Safety Partnership and the results of the annual work programme exercise, the Committee agrees that the following areas be included in its work programme for 2012/13

·        The use of “Specials” by the Police.

·        The “Watches” including Farm Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Lorry Speed Watch.

·        Restorative Justice, to be looked at later in the year.

·         

            (2) That the Lead Member be asked to approach the MP’s for Swindon with the Committees concern about controls of trafficking girls for forced marriages.