To consider a half yearly report on the Licensing Act 2003 from West Mercia Police.
(Oral report)
Minutes:
Insp Ian Joseph, West Mercia Police, presented a report on the previous six months from the Police perspective.
He referred to the fear that cuts in police budgets would result in a reduction of operational policing numbers that might have a potential impact on the reduction in crime. He reported that the Chief Constable would do all he could to avoid any reduction in the delivery of front line services.
He confirmed that the three tier approach to policing, which operates in Redditch, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster, had proved to be effective in terms of crime reduction and detection as well as public reassurance. A recent review of the partnership approach to community safety had identified several excellent ideas for future working.
He reported that the removal of all previous performance measures, including the measure of public confidence and satisfaction, together with the suspension of the Policing Pledge meant that there could be no clear performance base at present. However, the continued reduction in crime and anti social behaviour coupled with the effective detection of offences would remain at the forefront of effort.
Members were informed that it was too early to comment on the Government’s proposed changes to policing.
In the Town Centre, the closure of one licensed premise had made a marked impact on offending across the night time economy. He reported that larger gatherings and dangers of substantial disorder in and around Unicorn Hill at closing time had largely stopped, possibly as a consequence of the new planters and improved street lighting that had been installed, or possibly because there were fewer customers as a consequence of the current financial climate.
Members were informed that of ten offences involving violence over the previous weekend only one had taken place in the Town Centre. The remainder were mainly cases of domestic violence in other parts of the town with alcohol proving to be an aggravating factor.
Insp Joseph reported that high profile policing during the World Cup had been successful with few, if any, incidents being directly attributable to the event.
He has witnessed the positive approach of many Designated Premise Supervisors, (DPS) particularly during matches involving the England team.
He reported that the Licensing Committee had conducted one premise review during the period, which had resulted in new conditions being imposed on the licence.
Members were informed that partnership working across agencies continued to produce excellent results. Links to the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) had been established to assist in providing support for people with alcohol additions.
Insp Joseph outlined the effectiveness of Operation Staysafe, a multi agency initiative which had taken place on the evening of 25th June. The initiative had aimed to identify and manage children at risk through alcohol, drugs or their environment and had identified four young people who were taken, under police protection, to the Town Hall as a place of safety. Members were informed that two of these young people had been involved in anti social behaviour and two were under the influence of alcohol. The young people and their parents were interviewed by family support professionals who identified further interventions to address their risks and make them less like likely to offend or become a future victim of crime. Further similar operations would be carried out throughout the coming year.
He reported that the Alexandra Hospital Accident and Emergency Department in partnership with the DAAT and Youth Services had recently started a Straight Line project to make an impact on the longer term care of young people involved in excessive drinking.
Members were informed that a Drink Banning Order had been used to assist in managing a chaotic and alcohol effected offender. Insp Joseph reported that it was too early to assess whether the order would have any real impact on the offender’s behaviour.
Designated Public Place Orders were in place in the Town Centre and the Woodrow Centre and remained an effective tool in the reduction of offending and improvement of the environment for others.
RESOLVED that
the report be noted.