Agenda and draft minutes

No apologies were received

Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 relating to Council Tax, the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct

Note:

(a)  Members are reminded that they must identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest and

(b)  Where Members withdraw from a Meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chair when they leave

Cllr S James declared an interest as an associate for Welsh Women’s Aid

Vice Chair M Jehu declared an interest as a non executive trustee for Safer Merthyr Tydfil

Cllr B Bowen-Thomson declared an interest working for Safer Wales and their husband working for Action For Children.

The minutes were approved as a true and accurate record

Matters arising from minutes;

The Vice Chair reminded the panel that there were three things for the panel to achieve in the future however, due to the enormous amount of ongoing work they will need to distinguish between tasks for the panel and the sub panel.

Cllr S James queried whether there would be a timetable for any outcomes of the report on Ely?

The commissioner responded that the report had 3 elements: the events of that night in Ely, the accident investigation and the violence and criminal activity of the night. As a result, the timescales have varied from three to six months. The commissioner is hopeful that he will be able to provide a report regarding the traffic accident by the next panel meeting.

Regarding the recovery work the public services board in Cardiff have engaged in recovery in a very positive way. The vicar of Ely has been uniting people through music. Ely is a very challenged area but with exceptional community and voluntary services. I am impressed with the neighbourhood police team. They have been very committed. 

There is a political and public interest in the wider picture and there are things emerging regarding Elys specific issues but also the wider picture with South Wales Police regarding e bikes and e scooters. We now have a task force looking into it. 

In terms of recovery, it has been led by the local authority because they’re looking at the environment, housing, and poverty. It is a slower timescale, but they are working directly with the community and the feedback is much broader and richer than the events of the night. There are several subgroups looking at addressing housing, facilities, and education in Ely, which is a slow process, but we are receiving feedback. We are heavily involved in identifying anti-social behaviour hot spots, two of which are within Ely and we’re looking at how we can use resources to respond to this. 

The panel appreciates the feedback and co-operative report.

To consider the attached report

The Panel raised the following questions and comments which were answered in detail by the Commissioner and his Team:

Nationally, constables are focusing on burglaries and traditional matters and they're going to allocate resources to those matters and take it away from others. Will you be changing your policing style? 

Within the plan you discuss tightening the definition of PCSOs and restructuring. Could you elaborate? Could we have a report next panel meeting on the impact?

Will it be available in an app? 

How is the benefit measured?

Regarding the impact on being more ecofriendly and reduce co2. What is the additional financial strain on achieving this? For example, vehicles costing more, swapping vehicles on charge. Is there additional funding?? 

The panel pick up on right care right person in the next panel meeting. There is significant strain on local authorities and partners to support the police. It will need significant engagement. 

To consider the attached report

The Panel raised the following questions and comments which were answered in detail by the Commissioner and his Team:

The case studies are welcomed. Page 43. Bullet point 2 may need to be reviewed for accuracy.

Why is there a larger focus on Cardiff rather than Swansea?

Regarding data leaks, can we make sure there is something in place ensuring we don't suffer from this in South Wales?

The Panel approved the report with recommendations that data security is a priority.

To consider the attached report

Introduction to David Young the new finance officer who previously worked at Newport Council, Gwent Police and South Wales Police.

The Panel congratulated D Young on the position and approved the report.

To consider the attached report

The Panel raised the following questions and comments which were answered in detail by the Commissioner and his Team:

The Panel would like information regarding the Forward Plan for Child Exploitation to be shared with the panel so that it can be passed to the sub group.

How to encourage a diverse panel in age and ethnicity? For example, there's nobody under the age of 25. And the East panel has achieved less visits than the West.

Do people with lived experience apply or can they?

Discussion regarding complaints of Swansea’s facilities and need for modernisation.

The Panel approved the report.

The following business was raised;

Regarding a visit to the needle exchange in Cardiff and discussing the reversal drugs for opioid. It can now be administered through a nasal spray. The police do not carry the spray despite being there to promote and protect life. Could we roll this out across South Wales?

The Chair requests a report because it links to policy and effectiveness and care and reducing harm. Why have some officers opted to volunteer to use it?

Regarding the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Constable, how will a new one be appointed?