This meeting was scheduled to include an update on the Police and Crime Commissioner's plans for the Police's Estates, the Commissioner's performance in the second quarter of 2024/25, and the latest annual report from the Independent Custody Visitor scheme.

The meeting was also scheduled to receive an update on two complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner that are currently being considered.

Police Estate Update

The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for the Police's buildings and land, and the force was scheduled to update the Panel on the Estate Strategy. The strategy is being developed now because the new Investigative Hub at Spennymoor is due to open soon.

The report by the Commissioner and Chief Constable stated that the police estate in County Durham and Darlington was scheduled to be reviewed to assess how suitable it is.

This assessment will involve detailed condition surveys, a detailed backlog maintenance assessment, running cost assessment, suitability review, and compliance audit. In addition, financial viability and estate staff capacity needs to be correlated with the transformation plan. Item 5 - Estate Update Report, page 4.

Commissioner's Performance

The Police and Crime Commissioner was scheduled to update the panel on their performance during the second quarter of 2024/25 (July to September).

The report explained that the Commissioner had invested significantly in improving the 999 and 101 call handling systems. In particular it highlighted the introduction of Salesforce, which it described as

a technological solution that automatically updates victims of crime on the progress of their case and key pathways of support via the medium of their choice (SMS/email). Item 6 - Q2 Performance and Delivery Update Report - Appendix 1, page 9.

The report also provided an update on the success of the Safer Streets Fund Round 5, a Home Office scheme that provides money to Police and Crime Commissioners for schemes that reduce neighbourhood crime, violence against women and girls, and anti-social behaviour.

Independent Custody Visiting Scheme

The Police and Crime Commissioner was scheduled to present the latest annual report from the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme.

The report confirmed that the scheme was given a Code Compliant Award Status in October 2023 after the Independent Custody Visitor Association completed its triannual assessment of the scheme.

It went on to explain that the ICV scheme in County Durham and Darlington is made up of one panel who are responsible for making unannounced visits to the force's three custody suites in Durham, Darlington and Peterlee. The report confirmed that there were 9 ICVs and 38 cells as of 31 March 2024.

The report explained that the ICVs check on the welfare of people being held in custody, and will raise any issues with the custody sergeant. For example, the report noted that ICVs had raised concerns about the electronic signature pads not working. It also explained that ICVs make sure that detainees understand their rights, including their right to legal advice.