Agenda item

Consideration was given to the assessments of progress on the implementation of the recommendations from the Committee’s previously completed review of Police Communications in Stockton-on-Tees (Task & Finish).  This was the second progress update following the Committee’s agreement of the Action Plan in March 2022 and, in addition to the information outlined in the written submission, key developments were noted as follows:

• Recommendation 2 (As part of the future communications protocol / agreement between Cleveland Police and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Ward Councillors:

a) Cleveland Police promotes the need for regular and Ward-specific engagement with SBC Ward Councillors amongst its internal workforce (including the provision of information to Elected Members which is relevant to their particular Ward: There had been a local drive to improve engagement across the Borough to ensure minimum service contact with each Ward Councillor’s respective PCSO (Police Community Support Officer).

c) Expectations around the physical visibility of police officers (i.e. Ward Surgeries, partnership meetings, resident meetings) be re-established between Cleveland Police and all SBC Ward Councillors: Whilst Stockton-on-Tees has the highest face-to-face engagement levels of all force teams (15.2% more than the second highest), it was recognised that there was a desire for contact with higher-level officers.  Sergeant-led meetings had therefore been initiated which would be rolled-out to all Wards across the Borough.  Engagement levels could also see monthly spikes if specific events / operations were undertaken within a particular area.

In related matters, five police officers were due to join the force’s neighbourhood teams in the near future, and the force was opening-up its application process to increase officer visibility akin to past levels – ideally, there would be a named officer and a PCSO in every Ward, though current officer numbers did not allow this.  Three new PCSOs were also being tutored at present.

f) Cleveland Police provides a response to concerns raised within the SBC Ward Councillor survey (undertaken as part of this review), with specific reference to what it is doing to promote better engagement in those Wards where Councillors have expressed dissatisfaction with existing communications arrangements): Re-iterated that there had been no further engagement issues raised formally with the force since the last update was provided to the Committee in November 2022.

Accompanying the Cleveland Police Chief Inspector at this meeting was the force’s Superintendent (also the Borough Commander for Stockton-on-Tees) who had issued an introductory email to Ward Councillors upon his arrival.  The benefits of robust communications were fully recognised, though it was noted that neighbourhood teams were only one part of the overall policing provision, and that a balance had to be struck in relation to resources and ensuring the force had high impact where it mattered most.  That said, Cleveland Police was keen to demonstrate its determination to address local issues, something which a forthcoming high visibility ‘day of action’ event would seek to contribute to.  Members encouraged the force to inform relevant Ward Councillors of this event in advance, just in case there were any queries from the public.

Members reflected on their own engagement with residents and the frequently expressed desire for a dedicated police officer to be designated to each Ward.  The force representatives repeated that this was difficult to achieve given existing resources, and that it was focusing on the areas where the greatest threat of harm was evident.  There were also large discrepancies across the Borough’s Wards in terms of demand, therefore it would not be appropriate to provide the same officer level within all parts of Stockton-on-Tees.  The SBC Assistant Director – Community Safety and Regulated Services added that data was being examined to establish issues and understand the wider context around incidents so resources could be directed accordingly.

The Committee commended the police for its recent push to combat rural crime, something which residents within these communities had noted and welcomed.  It was encouraging that this issue was being recognised and village communities were grateful for the force’s response.

On the subject of recorded crime, concerns were expressed by Members that some residents may have given-up reporting incidents in the belief that nothing would happen even if they did.  A related query around officer levels was then raised – although expected numbers for neighbourhood teams were 24 full-time equivalents (FTEs), the Committee was informed that the current resource added-up to 18.7 FTEs.  The previously referenced addition of five police officers would therefore bring the total close to this target.

Discussion ensued around the local policing scene which covered some of the most deprived areas in the country and often tackled very complex cases.  It was vital for Cleveland Police to work with its partners in relation to crime prevention initiatives, and it was noted that the force arrests more people per head of population than anywhere in the UK, emphasising the significant demand on its resources.  Due to the recent officer-uplift programme, some frontline staff were relatively inexperienced – however, in time, the force’s investment in recruitment and subsequent training would reap benefits.  It was also important to note that behind each crime was a victim/s who require support.

The Committee raised concern at the sporadic nature of PCSO attendance at Ward Surgeries (Members were advised to inform the Superintendent if this continued), though praised their attendance at ‘Ward Walkabouts’ which Councillors valued.  Reflecting on the overall communications landscape, Members felt that progress had been made by Cleveland Police since the Committee’s review had concluded, though cautioned against losing this momentum.  To that end, Cleveland Police were encouraged to consider a communications timetable for the period immediately after the forthcoming local elections in May 2023 which would result in a number of new Councillors across the Borough.

AGREED that:

1)    the Police Communications in Stockton-on-Tees (Task & Finish) progress update be noted, the assessment for progress be confirmed, and the Action Plan be signed-off as complete (no further updates required).

2)    Cleveland Police produce a communications timetable regarding engagement with re-elected / new Ward Councillors for the period immediately after the local elections in May 2023.