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AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE POLICE AUTHORITY held at The Police
Authority Office, Westgate Chambers, Staple Gardens, Winchester on Tuesday, 20 September,
2005
PRESENT:
Mr. M.J. Attenborough-Cox (Chairman); Mrs. R. Atkinson; Councillor D. Gillett; Mr.
R.J. Gully; Councillor P.A. Heath; Mrs. F. Hoare, JP; Mr. G.M. King JP; Mr. M. Knott, JP;
Councillor P. Mason; Mr. R.I. Purkiss; Councillor Mrs. J. Rayment; Councillor S. D. T.
Woodward.
Also present: Mr. P.R. Kernaghan (Chief Constable); Mr. J. Pittam (Treasurer); Miss. S.
Jackson (Deputy Clerk); Mr. I. Readhead (Deputy Chief Constable); Mr. M. Coombes (Director
of Finance); Mr S. Watts (Assistant Chief Constable, SO); Mr S Cole (Assistant Chief
Constable, TO); Chief Insp. W. Schofield (Corporate Services); Mrs. J. Snowsill; Ms. S. Wade;
Ms. L. Parker (Clerk’s Office).
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DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal
prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally,
at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances
described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Police Authority’s Code of Conduct,
consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.
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APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Councillors A. Collett, Mrs. M. Snaith and Mrs.
D. Tuson.
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MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 19 July, 2005 were
confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
Matters arising:Minute 31 – Appointment of Independent Members
The Authority confirmed the nomination of Councillor P. Heath as the
Conservative Member on the Panel to interview the short-listed candidates for the two
forthcoming vacancies for Independent Members.
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
(a)
Mr. R. Palmer
The Chairman reported that the term of office of Mr. R. Palmer had
expired on 17 September, 2005 and that he had invited him to attend the meeting
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and speak on items as appropriate.
(b)
Airwave
The Chairman reported that the Airwave Service had now been rolled out
to all Forces together with the Ambulance Service. The Fire Service, however,
had not yet decided whether or not to take it.
(c)
Baseline Assessment
The Chairman indicated that he had now received a letter from Mrs. J.
Stichbury, HM Inspector of Constabulary which set out the final grades for the
2005 Baseline Assessment although these remained embargoed until 27 October.
(d)
Police Procurement Centre of Excellence
The Chairman referred to a letter he had received from the Director of
Policing Policy at the Home Office expressing his appreciation to the Authority
for the role which Hampshire Constabulary had played in establishing the
Procurement Centre of Excellence for the Police Service “PEPS” and for the
continued support for the operation of the centre. Particularly mentioned were
Ian Readhead as Chair of the Police Efficiency Group’s Procurement Sub-Group,
who had steered the work to establish the centre and also Maureen Adamson and
Michael Coombes who, respectively, had made an invaluable contribution to
sorting out various personnel issues and the financial management arrangements
for the Centre.
Members endorsed those sentiments and were pleased to note that
Hampshire was at the forefront of securing better procurement arrangements
which would be central to the achievement of the efficiency gains that the police
service needed to make over the next few years in order to release resources for
priority work.
(e)
Efficiency Plan 2004/05
The Chairman referred to a letter which he had received from Mrs. J.
Stichbury, HM Inspector of Constabulary, enclosing her assessment of the
Authority’s 2004/05 Efficiency Plan. He indicated that £3.2m in excess savings
would be carried forward in the form of £1.6m (cashable gains) and £1.6m (noncashable gains).
(f)
Police Reform
The Chairman reported that, together with the Chief Constable, he had
attended the Home Secretary’s Autumn Conference on policing held in London
on 19 September where further information had been provided about Denis
O’Connor’s report on police force structures. The clear message emerging from
the report was that 43 police forces in England and Wales were considered to be
not fit for purpose to deliver policing in the 21st Century. The Chairman
indicated that the Home Secretary considered the report to be coherent and
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persuasive and unambiguous in its conclusion that the establishment of strategic
forces offered the best long-term business solution. The Chairman indicated that
a letter was currently awaited from the Home Secretary setting out the process to
be followed between now and the end of December for developing options for
force restructuring and that he expected a final report containing refined options
to be presented to him by 23 December, 2005.
Members noted that, if necessary, and at the appropriate time, a special
meeting of the Authority would be convened to determine an agreed approach.
In the meantime, together with the Chief Constable, he would initiate the first
steps in this very tightly constrained process.
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CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT
(a)
Police Reform
Following on from the Chairman’s report on this item, the Chief
Constable informed the Authority that he had circulated a global e-mail to all
staff to allay concerns following recent speculation about possible force
amalgamations which had appeared in the media. He indicated that he would
respond appropriately when the Home Secretary’s letter had been received and
that the final response would have regard to any input into the process made by
partner agencies in the Criminal Justice System as referred to by the Home
Secretary.
Members noted the position and emphasised the importance of
consultation with other partner organisations and the public.
(b)
Travellers
The Chief Constable confirmed the position of the police service in
dealing with travellers following recent criticism by the media concerning
Hampshire’s approach to this matter. He stressed that the police had to uphold
the law as it was laid down and were unable to evict those who had taken up
unauthorised occupation of sites without the necessary legal steps being taken in
the first instance. He reconfirmed his support for a national network of sites
underpinned by an offence of occupying and despoiling private land. He felt that
his officers should not be unfairly criticised for upholding the law of the land.
Instead, those who sought to criticise the police service should lobby the
Government for a change in the law which would allow the right balance to be
struck.
Members supported the need for a change in the law in order to meet
public concerns and to enable the police to deal speedily with incursions.
Members appreciated the difficult position that the police were in when having to
remove any members of the public trying to protect their land from incursions by
travellers, in order to allow travellers onto the land in question.
The Chief Constable confirmed, that in this situation, his officers were
endeavouring to prevent a breach of the peace and confirmed that trespass was
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not a criminal offence.
Members noted the position.
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ANNUAL POLICING PLAN
The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 6 in the Minute Book)
setting out proposed new arrangements for the Police Authority oversight of the
production of the Annual Policing Plan. Members were reminded that, under the terms
of the Police Act 1998, the Annual Policing Plan was drafted for the Authority by the
Chief Constable and was published in April each year. It was also closely connected to
the production of the precept notice published in March and of the Annual Report
published in June. The Annual Policing Plan was a key public document setting out the
priorities and objectives of the Authority and the Constabulary within the context of the
Home Secretary’s National Policing Plan which was published in November.
The report referred to the process of oversight for the production of the 2005/06
Plan which had been a departure from previous practice of detailed drafting scrutiny by
Members with oversight, on this occasion, being delegated to the Chairman of the
Community Affairs and the Performance Committees. The Authority had produced a
specification for the format and style for the Plan and officers also contributed to
relevant sections. Members noted that, although there were some concerns about the
finished product, the process had been seen as an improvement on previous practice.
It was proposed that the process for 2006/07 would see further changes with the
large comprehensive document retained on websites with a shorter public document
being produced and distributed more widely, probably to all households. In particular,
the new requirement for local policing summaries under the terms of the Serious and
Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 would also be coordinated with the production of
the Annual Policing Plan.
Members were informed that the Chairman of the Community Affairs Committee
and officers of the Authority had held initial meetings with the Constabulary’s Corporate
Services Department who would be undertaking the drafting of the Annual Policing Plan
in order to discuss possible processes for oversight and to ensure that the printing quality
control issues from last year’s process had been remedied. In this respect, Chief
Inspector W. Schofield gave a presentation to the Authority on a new model, supported
by the ACPO team, which would see the National Intelligence Model (NIM) being used
as the model to produce an integrated planning system for the Force. Corporate Services
would translate the resultant NIM Control Strategy into the Annual Policing Plan which
could be accessed on the internet. In addition, Media Services would produce a public
document containing highlights of the Plan alongside the new requirement for local
policing summaries. The Police Authority would be represented at various parts of the
strategic assessment and formulation of the control strategy. The end result would be the
production of a more integrated Annual Policing Plan which had more relevance for
police staff and in which the Authority could demonstrate a clear connection between its
own inputs into the process and any decisions about relative priorities. The new process
would require a small number of Members in regular dialogue with Corporate Services
to produce the draft for the Authority to agree at its full meeting in February. It was
again proposed that oversight of the drafting and production process be delegated to the
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Chairmen of the Community Affairs and the Performance Committees.
RESOLVED:
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(a)
That the draft Annual Policing Plan be approved by the Authority at its meeting
in February.
(b)
That oversight of the drafting and production process be delegated to the
Chairmen of the Community Affairs Committee and the Performance Committee.
SECTION 157 – SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME AND POLICE ACT 2005
The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on
the implications of Section 157 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005,
which inserted a new Section 8(A) into the Police Act 1996. This placed a duty on
police authorities to produce a Summary of information on local policing matters,
specifically for members of the public, as soon as possible after the end of each financial
year, from April, 2006.
Members noted that Home Office Guidance on the production of Policing
Summaries was currently out for consultation until October but that, at this stage, the
definition of “local” was taken to mean force-wide but with an expectation that the
information would be provided at Basic Command Unit level.
Members expressed concern about the considerable cost implications for the
production and distribution to all households of a Policing Summary on an annual basis
and supported a proposal to look at ways of rationalising the current production process
of various Authority and Constabulary statutory documents with a view to sharing costs
and avoiding duplication.
RESOLVED:
(a)
That the report be noted.
(b)
That more detailed consideration be given to the implications of Section 157 of
the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 following the receipt of Home
Office Guidance.
(c)
That the Chairmen of the Community Affairs, Performance, and Finance
Committees be appointed to oversee the process.
(d)
That, subject to the receipt of Home Office Guidance on this matter, the Policing
Summary be used as a Summary of the Annual Policing Plan and Annual
Reports.
(e)
That additional information be included in the Policing Summary to promote the
work of the Authority and to aid the Authority in its duties to consult with the
communities of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
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CONSULTATION ON STANDARD POWERS FOR POLICE COMMUNITY
SUPPORT OFFICERS (PCSOs)
The Authority considered a report of the Clerk and the Chief Constable (Item 8 in
the Minute Book which provided information about the Home Office Consultation paper
issued on 31 August, 2005 which sought the views of stakeholders on proposals to
establish a set of standard powers for PCSOs by 26 October, 2005.
Members agreed that the current system was confusing for the public who
currently had no way of knowing what the powers of PCSOs were from one Force to the
next. In this respect, Members supported the intention of the Government to standardise
the powers designated to PCSOs whilst allowing for local delivery within those national
standards. This would help to provide a realistic expectation of the service provided by
PCSOs whilst helping to maintain the balance between visibility, community policing,
and the ability to deal with major crime.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted and that the views of the Authority in response to the
Home Office Consultation Paper on standard powers for Police Community Support
Officers be forwarded to the Home Office.
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HAMPSHIRE INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITING SCHEME – JANUARY TO
JUNE, 2005
The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 9 in the Minute Book)
which reviewed the progress of the Hampshire Independent Custody Visiting Scheme for
the period January to June, 2005 and attached as appendices the six monthly progress
reports from the four Panel Convenors.
The Scheme Administrator presented the report and indicated that a total of 211
visits had been carried out in the period January to June, 2005 which was 27 more than
the minimum number required by the Scheme and 8 more than the same period in 2004.
No breaches of the Code of Practice governing the treatment of detainees had been
found.
Members shared the concerns expressed by Custody Visitors about the increasing
number of detainees with mental health problems in custody centres and the
appropriateness of custody cells for this use. The Chief Constable agreed that police
cells were not suitable “places of safety” and that the expected new legislation due in
2007 was not expected to improve the situation. Police cells would be cited as places of
“last resort” but, as no other facilities existed, this would effectively mean detention in
police cells. Members encouraged the Chief Constable to continue to pursue this matter
as it was an area of shared concern with the Authority who were monitoring the position
through the Community Affairs Committee. A report would be presented to the next
meeting of the Committee on mental health awareness training. It was suggested that
discussions could be held with the Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust with a view to
identifying a suitable solution for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Mrs. F. Hoare JP, the Authority’s link Member to the South East Panel, reported
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in particular on the success of the pilot scheme trialled at Portsmouth Central Custody
Suite to increase the number of detained persons agreeing to a visit as a result of the
Custody Visitors introducing themselves rather than being introduced by the Escorting
Officer. She indicated that the take-up rate for visits was now upto 98% and that she
would like to see the scheme rolled out across the whole of Authority’s area.
In conclusion, members acknowledged the contribution made by all Custody
Visitors to the success of the Scheme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and also to
Mrs. J. Snowsill, for her excellent administration of the Scheme.
RESOLVED:
That the report and appendices be noted.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE FORMULA GRANT DISTRIBUTION
CONSULTATION
The Authority considered a report of the Treasurer (Item 10 in the Minute Book)
on proposed changes to the system of Formula Grant Distribution to be implemented
from 2006/07. The report set out the principles behind the proposals that would have the
most significant effect on Hampshire Police Authority’s formula grant allocation. The
Appendix to the report contained a suggested response to the questions in the
consultation paper. Members noted that the Government had confirmed that it intended
to introduce 3-year grant settlements aligned with the Spending Review Cycle. The first
multi-year settlement would be announced in late November or early December, 2005
for 2006/07 and 2007/08 (the last two years of the current Spending Review). The first
full 3-year settlement figures would be announced in 2008/09. In this respect, the
Treasurer reported that the expected council tax revaluation had been deferred
indefinitely in favour of the extension of the Sir Michael Lyons Enquiry to cover local
authority funding. He also referred to short-term floor damping arrangements which
might protect the Authority from potential losses from the review options but Members
noted that these damping arrangements would unwind over time. In this respect, the
Treasurer circulated a paper which set out the best and worst case scenarios for
Hampshire arising from the proposals. He stressed that the full effect would not be
known until the grant announcement in December.
RESOLVED:
That the Treasurer be authorised to respond to the Government’s consultation on
Formula Grant Distribution as set out in the Appendix to the report.
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IMPLEMENTING BICHARD - STRATEGY AND PROGRESS – UPDATE
BRIEFING
The Authority considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 11 in the Minute
Book) on progress being made by the Force to implement the 31 recommendations
arising from Sir Michael Bichard’s Inquiry into the issues highlighted by the murders of
Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham.
The Deputy Chief Constable presented the report and informed Members that the
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recommendations were being implemented across four key areas.

Developing the police IT infrastructure to improve the handling of intelligence
and other information;

Developing a Code of Practice and operational guidance covering police
management and sharing of information;

Introducing a “vetting and barring” scheme to ensure unsuitable persons are
barred from working with children and vulnerable adults; and

Enhancing the employment vetting schemes operated by the Criminal Records
Bureau, including the vetting of employees from abroad.
He then commented on the progress of the Force in each of these key areas and
he outlined the next steps to be taken to ensure stakeholders continue collectively to
create an environment where information can be used efficiently and fairly to minimise
any risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults and with the clear aim of mainstreaming
with new structures and procedures as soon as possible.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
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MEMBERS ATTENDING CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS OF OUTSIDE
BODIES
The Authority considered a report of the Clerk (Item 12 in the Minute Book)
seeking approval to the attendance of Members at conferences and meetings of outside
bodies. In addition, Members were asked to approve the attendance of Mr. R.J. Gully at
the Association of Police Authorities Conference on Neighbourhood Policing to be held
in Leeds on 6 October, 2005.
RESOLVED:
That the attendance of Members at the events indicated in the report be approved
together with the attendance of Mr. R.J. Gully at the APA Conference on Neighbourhood
Policing to be held in Leeds on 6 October, 2005.
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POLICE OFFICER AND POLICE STAFF STRENGTH
The Authority received and noted the report of the Chief Constable (Item 13 in
the Minute Book) showing police officer and police staff strength and availability against
budgeted strength and as 31 August, 2005.
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MINUTES OF THE CRIME PREVENTION PANEL
The Deputy Clerk reported that the revised Terms of Reference for the Crime
Prevention Committee were attached to the Minutes for the Authority’s approval.
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RESOLVED:
That the Minutes of the meeting of the Crime Prevention Panel held on 14 July,
2005 be received, and where necessary, adopted (Item 14 in the Minute Book).
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MINUTES OF THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
RESOLVED:
That the Minutes of the meeting of the Personnel Committee held on 2 August,
2005 be received, and where necessary, adopted (Item 15 in the Minute Book).
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MINUTES OF THE PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE
RESOLVED:
That the Minutes of the meeting of the Performance Committee held on 8
August, 2005 be received, and where necessary, adopted (Item 16 in the Minute Book).
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EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED:
That, by virtue of paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local
Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during
consideration of the following items.
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PERFORMANCE MONITORING IMPLICATIONS OF THE RECORD
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RMS)
The Authority considered a confidential report of the Clerk on the impact of the
new Record Management System introduced on 1 April, 2005 on the provision of
performance monitoring data (Item 18 in the Minute Book).
[A SUMMARY OF A MINUTE WHICH CONTAINS EXEMPT INFORMATION]
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