To receive an update from Police Superintendent Toby Davies.
Minutes:
The Police Superintendent Toby Davies provided an update, the purpose of which was for Members to note his retirement and progress/ changes to Policing in Torridge.
The newly appointed Police Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones was introduced to the Committee.
The update included information on:
- Core Handling
- Crime Investigations and Management
- Staffing and Challenges of Rurality
- Senior Rank Review
- Government Funding for Devon and Cornwall
- Performance and Crime Statistics
- Antisocial Behaviour
- The extension of Hotspot Policing Funding in Bideford
- CCTV and Increased Visibility
- Councillor Advocate Scheme
- The importance of Councillors in promoting the reporting process
A discussion occurred.
Members thanked Toby Davies and welcomed Emma Butler-Jones. The Committee supported the news of the extension of Hotspot Policing funding.
Members explained that the Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, has been invited to meet with the Council. Members addressed the issue of shoplifting in Bideford and suggested that they would like Alison Hernandez to meet with Councillors and traders to discuss this. The Police Superintendent expressed that the Police and Crime Commissioner regularly visits North Devon and encouraged Members to send further communication. Moreover, the Police Superintendent informed Councillors that there has been increased national attention around shoplifting and the reporting process. Members noted that if there is evidence of theft in Torridge, then it will be investigated. The Police Superintendent emphasised the importance of prevention through working with traders.
Following this, the Committee discussed changes to gun licences. The Police Superintendent discussed national constraints around gun licences due to recent events. Members were advised to email specific instances to the Police Superintendent for further examination.
The Committee discussed ‘road rage’ and questioned if there has been an increase in the number of instances reported. The Police Superintendent indicated that there has not been an increase, but explained that weekly meetings occur to identify patterns of crime.
In response to a question regarding Bideford Police Station, the Police Superintendent clarified that Members should contact the Police and Crime Commissioner for further information.
With reference to the protection of farmers, the Committee asked if there is a cyber security officer. The Police Superintendent explained that there are cyber security experts, alongside rural crime experts, which Emma Butler-Jones is heavily involved with. Emma Butler-Jones informed Members that the Rural Affairs team provide crime prevention advice and work with the cybersecurity team. Members were advised to make the Police aware of particular farms where there may be a cause for concern.
The Committee discussed the importance of PCSOs in Holsworthy and the relationship that they can establish with the Town Council. The Police Superintendent outlined that there is a newly-appointed tri-service officer (police, fire and ambulance) in Holsworthy, who will be asked to attend the next Parish/ Town Council meeting. The Police Superintendent recognised the benefit of the co-working between Councillors and PCSOs, and stated that there may be a cluster of PSCOs who divide their time between Torrington and Holsworthy.
Members were encouraged to sign up to the Councillor Advocate Scheme, which forms an association between Councillors, the Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Committee thanked the Police Superintendent on behalf of the Council for his service to North Devon and Torridge.