Agenda item

To receive a presentation by the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales.

The Chair welcomed Mr Wayne Jones, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC) for North Wales to the meeting.

 

A brief presentation was afforded to the meeting by the DPCC for North Wales outlining the role of the PCC and the close working relationship with NW Police together with Scrutiny taking place in a wide variety of ways and through the Strategic Executive Board.

 

RESOLVED to accept the content of the presentation by the DPCC.  

 

The Chief Executive reported that the Police and the County Council have a robust partnership and collaborate effectively on a number of levels, although resources are scarce.  He referred to Anglesey being a safe place to live and protecting communities is very important to its residents.  Reference was made to planning and responding to emergencies in relation to an increase in traffic through Holyhead port, which is becoming more of a risk, where wider collaboration with Border Force and the port authority as well as the Police is being undertaken.  He referred to the Welsh language, which is one of the Council’s strategic aims that Welsh continues to thrive in Anglesey and stated that he is pleased that the Police are committed to prioritising the Welsh language.

 

Following both presentations by NW Police and the DPCC, the following points of

discussion were raised by the Committee: -

 

·         Reference was made to vehicles, including HGVs parked illegally on the zig zag approach to the pelican crossing in Valley, which is an ongoing problem.  Last week two members of the Council met with a PCSO from Holyhead to discuss ways to resolve this issue.  Members of the public have also sent photos of parked vehicles to Go Safe and NW Police but are yet to receive any feedback. 

 

A question was raised whether the PCC could lobby other PCCs across the country and the UK Government to change the law to give the Police more powers to tackle these issues?

 

      The Chief Constable responded that illegal parking on a zig zag approach is a

fixed penalty offence, which PCs have the power to deal with, but not PCSOs.  It was noted that the role of PCSOs has been reviewed to maximize their powers to deal with local community issues, which could be revisited to ensure that they have undergone all the necessary training.  In the case of general parking issues, it is the responsibility of the County Council to enforce the law and issue fixed penalty notices.

 

The Superintendent responded that he is disappointed that problems persist in Valley, as his staff have worked hard to resolve these issued by conducting surveys and convening local meetings.  He agreed to look at individual cases and provide feedback in due course.

 

·         A question was asked in relation to ‘Operation Stack’, and whether ‘stacking’ plans refer to using land on Anglesey or the mainland when Britannia Bridge is closed?

 

      The Superintendent responded that NW Police are working closely with the

      County Council and have identified sites on the mainland and also specific sites

      on Anglesey.

     

      The Chief Constable reported that work is ongoing with the Local Resilience

      Forum to put plans into place that work, which is a real challenge for the Police

      and a matter that the Force is very keen to problem solve.

 

·         Concerns were expressed that PCSOs do not work in the same areas for long.

      When they develop a working relationship within the communities they

      represent, then are relocated to work in different areas.

 

      It was noted that the Home Secretary has allocated additional funding to every

      Police Force in the UK with emphasis on community policing.  A question was

put forward whether funding will increase for West Wales, particularly Anglesey?

     

      The Chief Constable confirmed that Anglesey and the Western side of the

      Force have been allocated funding in the Superintendent’s resource plan.  She

      reported that any additional response or backup that comes from Gwynedd and

      the Western side of the Force has been carefully scrutinised.  The Police recognise that are different crime issues in different areas, and the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is about having local officers in communities embedded in understanding problems.  The Chief stated that she takes on board comments on officers joining the Police as PCSOs and moving on to progress to PCs.  It was noted that a lot of effort is put into stabilising staff movements and keeping community officers in local areas.  With reference to workforce planning, it was noted that the Police need to ensure that a good offer is provided to local communities which is consistent:  people need to know who to contact within the Police, have confidence in, and can trust.  It was confirmed that there will definitely be an increase in the number of new officers joining the Force, whose focus will be on achieving consistency within communities.

   

·         Reference was made to speeding vehicles between Engedi and Rhosneigr.  It was noted that the PCC, Andrew Dunbobbin attended a meeting with the local council a while ago.  It was further noted that since then, no other officers have attended any local council meetings.  It was highlighted that more support from the Police regarding this issue would be appreciated.

 

      A question was raised whether the Police could put a financial package

      together to install average speed cameras between Engedi and Rhosneigr? 

 

      The DPCC responded that in terms of average speed cameras, he would follow up the meeting with the Commissioner to ascertain whether there is a need to make further enquiries and provide feedback.

 

      The Superintendent reported that a new Community Sergeant has been appointed, who is working to ensure that the necessary resources are in the right areas and that officers attend community meetings.  It was noted that the member’s comments would be taken on board, and the current situation would be reviewed.  

     

·         A question was asked whether merging Police Forces is back on the agenda?

      A member referred to an article in the Sunday Times that Mark Rowley, the

      Metropolitan Police Commissioner had stated that Chief Constables were

      united on the urgency of amalgamation.

       

      The Chief Constable responded that policing has become ever more complex,

      with Chiefs having different national responsibilities across huge areas as well

      as their local Force areas.  Reference was made to the devolved nature of

      Wales, apart from Policing and the Criminal Justice system, which is probably

      not appreciated and understood by English partners.  The system in England

      is different and looks at Mayoral models, which would probably not work

      effectively across Wales.  When policing is not devolved, it is a complex issue

      when the leverage is not the same in terms of policing, criminal justice, health

      and local authorities.  Matters to consider include understanding what is best for

      Wales and its local communities and how to achieve this.  It was noted that the

current system works effectively in Wales as there is a common understanding between Chief Constables and Chief Executives of local     Councils.  Although policing is not devolved in Wales, it is treated almost in the same way, which is why the Police have such strong relationships around community safety when trying to remodel, with a lot of work to do in this area.

 

·         A member reported that ‘Operation Stack’ is not working in Menai Bridge and

Llanfair PG.  A question was raised whether the Police currently have plans in place to respond to severe weather and the closure of the bridges on Anglesey?  A question was also raised as to whether the Border Force facility in Holyhead could be considered an option?

     

      The Chief Constable responded that it is very difficult to communicate with lorry

      drivers to inform them of bridge closures once they are on the A55 heading

      towards Anglesey.  The Police work closely with traffic management to

      keep drivers updated on signs displaying speed limits and wind speeds.  In

      terms of parking for HGVs, this will need to be reviewed to consider all the

      available options.

 

·         A question was raised on how to raise awareness of ketamine and work in

      collaboration with the Local Authority to teach young people of the dangers of

      this drug?

 

      The Chief Constable responded that officers continue to go into schools to

      deliver important messages to children as early as possible.  Reference was

      made to the S4C programme ‘Llinell Las’, which has highlighted ketamine use

and its dangers and long term impact.  It was noted that Holyhead has one of

 the first support groups for ketamine users.  A multi-agency approach has been

adopted to support this issue: the Police can act on the enforcement side; the Local Authority can deal with the education side; the health side needs to come

 together to tackle this issue, so that young people can make the right decision

 when they go on a night out or are offered dangerous substances.

       

·         Reference was made to a former PCSO, Iona Beckman, who was commended

      for her work.  A member stated that one of her strengths was that she knew

      everybody locally and was very approachable.  It was suggested that local

      surgeries would be a good way of joining communities together.  PCSO Kaitlin

      McGonigle was also praised by members for her exceptional work. 

 

      A question was raised regarding what measures are in place to ensure that

      there is effective communication between elected members and the local

      PCSOs? 

   

      The Superintendent responded that contact and communication is crucial

within communities.  It was noted that the new Community Sergeant will be

      allocating more resources to community links, including working with new

      recruits to improve their skills.  Monitoring the time officers spend out of police

      stations is also being undertaken, to improve Police contact within communities. 

 

·         A question was asked whether the Police have plans to make changes to the

      NW Police website and Facebook page?

 

      A member reported that she has received complaints that the NW Police

      Facebook page is inaccessible, as there is no point of contact listed on the

      website.

 

      The Chief Constable responded that she would discourage people from

      attempting to contact NW Police on Facebook, as Facebook is a

      service for putting information out and is not monitored all the time.      

 

·         A question was raised on how the drugs problem in Anglesey in 2025 compares

      with 2 or 3 years ago?

 

The Superintendent responded that the problem is no worse this year than in previous years.  He stated that he is involved in targeting the drugs problems in Anglesey specifically and working to stop dealers getting to Anglesey in the first instance. 

 

·         A question was asked whether County Lines is still a problem on the Island?

     

      The Superintendent responded that problems still persist but, have not

      escalated.  The Police are targeting groups online, as dealers’ methods of

      supply are constantly changing. 

     

·         A question was asked about devolving Police powers to Wales?

 

      The Chief Constable responded that policing is supported by a huge national

      infrastructure, which would need to be replicated in order to apply changes from

      a devolved perspective.  She reported that she sits not only on the Wales

      region, but also has links to the Northwest region with partners in Merseyside

      and Cheshire.  The importance of having these working relationships was

      highlighted, as travelling criminality and drug use emanate from those areas.  It

      was noted that each Police area relies on other areas to join Forces

      when there are national disorders in terms of mutual aid, and officers from

      North Wales are deployed across the country.  It was further noted that there

have been many academic research and opinions around the devolution of policing in Wales, which is very much a political point to take forward.  The Chief stated that her role is to ensure that policing works operationally on the ground in local communities.  Emphasis was placed on the Welsh language, and its importance for people who live their lives through Welsh.  The Chief stated that to get an accurate description from a victim of crime, she needs to have a Welsh speaker available to converse with the victim.  It was highlighted that NW Police’s recruiting process is currently in English.  Work is ongoing with the College of Policing to recruit through the medium of Welsh.

 

·         Members expressed disappointment that the Police had not attended a meeting of Llangefni Town Council recently, where 5 Town & Community Councils were represented to discuss CCTV.  A question was raised as to when the CCTV work will be completed?

 

The DPCC stated that tendering for the contract closes at the end of this month.  A further update will be provided to the Police and Crime Panel, followed by all stakeholders, who will be given an update in an extensive consultation process, as part of the Panel’s Terms of Reference.

 

A member of the Police and Crime Panel attended the PCC’s community rewards recently to celebrate people who make a difference.  It was highlighted that the Panel’s ethos is English, although Welsh elements have been included in discussion.  It was highlighted that further work is necessary to give Welsh and English equal status on the Panel.

 

The DPCC responded that in terms of the community awards, more bilingual

elements have been introduced, and the member’s comments will continue to

be taken on board.  Reference was made to the Victims Help Centre which

offers invaluable support to victims of crime and is commissioned by the

Police and is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary next week. 

 

·         Clarity was sought on what the legislation is for young people driving tractors

      on A and B roads?

 

The Superintendent reported that his staff are working with the Rural Crime

Team to educate young people who drive tractors.  His team are going to

investigate why so many young tractor drivers use their phones whilst driving.

It was noted that the rules vary a lot, depending on insurance; what the tractor

is used for; how many miles it is used away from the farm; the width of a tractor.  It was highlighted that safety is the issue here, and the importance of educating young people and getting the message across.

 

The Chief Executive responded that the Council has access to schools and can work together with Coleg Menai to get messages across to young people and raise awareness and understanding through youth clubs, young farmers etc.

 

·         A question was raised regarding how many youth clubs, young farmers, rugby clubs etc have benefitted from grants through the ‘Your Voice, Your Community’ grants scheme?

 

The DPCC responded that three clubs on the Island have benefitted from the summer sports fund last week.  The first was basketball, followed by the young farmers sports and games scheme and the football club for people with disabilities.

 

·         A question was raised whether sniffer dogs accompany Police Officers when they visits schools to educate pupils?

 

The Chief Constable responded that the Police take dogs into schools, more from an education point of view rather than an operational deployment, to demonstrate what the dogs can do, so that young people understand what they are used for and the risks they take if they carry drugs themselves.

     

      The Superintendent added that sniffer dogs have been put into local colleges to

      get the message out there in the past, but there are dangers in taking a dog in,

       and the right balance has to be reached.

 

·         A question was raised whether mutual aid works both ways? 

 

      The Chief Constable reported that the Police charge for mutual aid.  She

      explained that the Force gets a lot of support and assistance from Merseyside,

      especially when County Lines operations are run.  Officers are seconded from

      Merseyside into the region who are working on regional organised criminality

      that is affecting North Wales.  A clear system is in place in terms of cross

      charging and dogs come in and go out of the area according to each dog’s

      specialism.

 

·       Is NW Police satisfied with its recording and monitoring procedures for dealing with violence against women?

 

The DPCC responded that the Strategic Executive Board have scrutinised violence against women and girls 5 or 6 times in the last two and a half to three years and have been reassured that this matter has received due attention along with presentations that have been given on this topic.  The Commission’s Services speak to victims of domestic abuse and coercive behaviour and provide feedback.  It was noted that the Force had an outstanding grading for crime recording, providing further independent reassurance.  It was noted that the Commissioner has agreed to fund a part time post for an independent stalking case worker for a 12 month pilot scheme within the Victim Help Centre.

 

The Chief Constable responded that HMIC Inspectors record how effectively crimes and investigations into domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour are recorded.  The Inspectors concluded that the Force performed outstandingly in terms of this particular area, where resources are concentrated around training officers in dealing effectively with crimes of this nature.  An officer from NW Police has been seconded to work with the Cheshire Force to learn from their good practice.  Officers are concentrating on stalking and harassment and looking at the whole remit of different offences to understand them properly and offer the best support to victims to ensure that the cycle of abuse is broken.

 

·         A question was asked whether domestic abuse in the home is on the rise?  Is

      there is a reason behind it in Anglesey?

 

The Chief Constable responded that across North Wales the increases are around better identification and reassurance, with people feeling confident to contact the Police.  A huge amount of work has been undertaken to ensure that convictions are put into the media so that people can see that convictions come out of this behaviour.  Emphasis is placed on the importance of educating young people in schools who are progressing into adulthood, and being able to recognise what a happy, stable relationship looks like.

 

The Chief welcomed the reporting of domestic violence, as it has been under reported for many years, as long as the Police are able to act to break the cycle of abuse in relation to the individuals.

 

The Superintendent responded that the figures have decreased.  If an individual is unable to move forward, the Police will intervene and take steps to take the load off the individual and work through civil orders, wherever possible.

 

·         A question was raised whether NW Police are happy with the way the

      Police and the County Council work together to prevent knife crime in schools?

 

The Superintendent responded that Anglesey does not face the same challenges as other areas.  The focus is on sharing information between the Chief Constable, the Council and Police Officers and responding to information supplied by Intel.  A lot of scrutiny takes place around knife crime, and any information received is acted upon immediately. 

 

·         A question was asked regarding figures for domestic abuse on men in

      Anglesey?

 

The Superintendent responded that the Force’s understanding of domestic abuse on men is not as good as it is for women.  It is a challenge for the Police and other services, and it is an area where the Police will need to look into.

 

The Chief Constable responded that domestic abuse is not gender specific and encouraged any individual in a relationship suffering domestic abuse to come forward.  There are people within the Force who can help and provide support for victims to get out of that cycle of abuse.

 

The Chief Constable reported that she welcomed 19 PCSOs to NW Police last week.  At least 2 or 3 are from Anglesey who have exceptional skills having worked in all sorts of environments previously.

 

The Chair thanked the Chief Constable, the Superintendent and the DPCC for their very valuable input, which has been much appreciated.  He praised the Police for their excellent work. 

 

RESOLVED to note the content of the comments received during discussion.