The Police and Crime Panel of County Durham Council met to discuss updates on the vetting process and acceptable policing behaviours, quarterly performance, and the impact of asylum seekers on local communities. Key decisions included noting the vetting process report and the quarterly performance report.

Vetting Process and Acceptable Policing Behaviours and Standards Update

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Joy Allen, presented an update on the vetting process and acceptable policing behaviours and standards. Deputy Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine highlighted the importance of vetting to maintain public trust. He explained that the vetting process includes officers, police staff, volunteers, and sub-contractors, with various levels of vetting such as Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV), regular Recruitment (RV), and enhanced vetting for management posts (MV).

Deputy Chief Constable Irvine noted that Durham Constabulary had been praised by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) for exceeding national standards. He mentioned that the force was scrutinising digital spaces, including social media, to identify issues like misogyny, racism, and homophobia. He also discussed the additional funding provided by the PCC to manage the increased vetting workload.

Councillor D Nicholls emphasised the importance of public confidence in the police and the benefits of body-worn cameras. He inquired about the impact of increased workload on vetting standards. Deputy Chief Constable Irvine assured that high standards were maintained despite the increased workload.

Quarterly Performance Report Quarter Three 2023/24

PCC Joy Allen presented the performance report for Quarter Three, covering October to December 2023. Councillor R Potts raised concerns about the reported 20% decrease in anti-social behaviour (ASB), noting that it did not align with his experience in the community. He also questioned the increase in neighbourhood crime by 24%.

The PCC explained that hotspot areas had been given further information on reporting ASB and emphasised the importance of reporting to build evidence and target measures. She noted that neighbourhood crime was preventable and highlighted the need for public awareness of prevention measures.

Councillor D Boyes discussed the impact of asylum seekers on ASB, noting anecdotal evidence of increased ASB in areas used as asylum dispersal zones. The Chief of Staff, OPCC, explained that Mears, a private company, was responsible for placements and that the Police and Local Authority could only advise on placements.

Councillor J Charlton raised concerns about the lack of information provided to the Police regarding the placement of asylum seekers. The PCC reiterated that the County Durham Migration and Cohesion Multi-Agency Group was the appropriate forum for these issues.

Complaints Update

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services presented an update on complaints relating to the PCC or the Deputy PCC. Senior Lawyer Jennifer Rogers noted that no further complaints had been received since the last report on 1 February 2024.

Minutes 20032024 Police and Crime Panel