To receive a update from Supt. Toby Davies
Minutes:
Superintendent Toby Davies attended the meeting to meet the newly elected Members and provide an update on the service. He confirmed his job role as Local Policing Area Commander and covers the area from the North of Devon to West Devon which is broken into four different sectors.
Attending with Toby were two of his colleagues, Ewan Seear, sector inspector for Torridge area and Glyn Clarke, neighbourhood team leader who covers the whole of the Bideford and surrounding area.
Toby explained there are numerous departments and functions in the area however the bulk of the resources were either in control which meant responding to calls and investigating lower-level crime, with investigation teams dealing with higher graded crime and neighbour teams who are more visible, engaging and preventative. It was offered that if Members wanted more information to speak to either Ewan or Glynn following the meeting to possibly arrange a ride along or visit to the station.
Toby continued to advise that Torridge is one of the safest areas in the country and even in Devon & Cornwall. He articulated how they receive high levels of support from local communities. Emphasis was put on the fact that the output rate for the region was high however there are always challenges. Toby explained how recording of crime had now altered and was now being managed better.
The use of the 101 service was briefly mentioned with Toby advising to engage with the single online homepage for reporting.
He explained increases in resources and that they are still recruiting.
One area that they are particularly aware of is antisocial behaviour (ASB) and the problems this causes. Reassurance was given that this is a priority area for the Police and numerous other agencies are also involved in tackling this. It was confirmed how the new Chief Constable; Will Kerr wants to push visibility and engagement into the policing style and investment would be made here. The importance of reporting any crime, especially ASB was stressed.
The Safer Street scheme was mentioned and the significant impact this had in Barnstaple, reducing ASB by approximately 30/40%. Toby thought that further funding might become available and urged TDC to apply.
Toby explained a new operation called Loki, which involved pulling together resources for a couple of days and flooding a particular location. The lasting effect goes beyond the initial two days with crime and ASB reducing for months because of the lasting memory.
Toby expressed the importance of building a relationship between the Police and the local community which involved the assistance and engagement from Members.
A brief discussion followed.
Following a query, it was confirmed that the PCC are looking to open front desk across the districts. Regarding Safer Street funding, Toby was unsure of any definite details but advised he would approach the PCC and try to find out any further information. He did advise it is match funding.
In response to a further query, Toby advised of the positive work that was ongoing with Bideford College and Cadets to engage more with the younger generation and to build a relationship.