The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel met on 19 September 2025 to discuss the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan, complaints against the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the panel's work programme. The panel was also scheduled to discuss the outcome of recruitment to the panel.

Delivery of the Police and Crime Plan

The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to receive an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Lincolnshire, Marc Jones, regarding the delivery of the Safer Communities Plan for Lincolnshire 2025 - 2029. The plan is structured around the key principles of community safety and prevention in partnership, listening and responding, protecting victims, and effective policing.

The update included:

• Community Safety and Prevention in Partnership: High visibility 'Hotspot patrolling' activity was reported as ongoing. In the first quarter, 1569.28 hours of patrolling led to 25 arrests, 35 stop searches, and the use of 29 anti-social behaviour powers. A problem-oriented policing methodology was applied in Lincoln's central hotspot, focusing on issues in the night-time economy. The PCC also opened a Prisoners Building Homes (PBH) workshop, an award-winning programme designed to upskill prisoners and reduce reoffending by linking them to permanent employment opportunities post-release. Town Boards in Boston, Skegness and Spalding continued to meet to develop their Long-Term Plans for Towns. Following a proposal by the PCC and Lincolnshire Police, South Holland District Council and Spalding Town Board allocated £40,000 to support a new hotspot policing programme in Spalding.

• Listening, Responding and Being Accountable: The Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sara Munton, engaged with partners and the public, including hosting a session for Lincoln City Foundation's Youth Group, attending the launch of 'Coral Cove' (East Midlands Children's and Young People's Sexual Assault Service) in Nottingham, and participating in a Speedwatch observation session in the Cliff Top Villages. Recruitment commenced for 15-20 'Safer Communities Leaders' aged 14 – 21 and living in Lincolnshire.

• Protecting and Supporting Victims and the Vulnerable: The PCC's Victims Strategy was reviewed and updated. The PCC commissioned LimeCulture to explore the experiences of victims/survivors of sexual violence who reported offences to Lincolnshire Police. An Honour Based Abuse working group was recently formed. The PCC secured funding from the Home Office to deliver Drive (a domestic abuse Perpetrator Programme) in 2025/26 and 2026/27.

• Policing that Works: The PCC and Chief Constable continued their dialogue with the government to seek a longer-term, sustainable agreement that addresses the chronic underfunding of Lincolnshire Police. The PCC commissioned an independent review of Lincolnshire Police finances through the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The Chief Constable and Deputy Chief Constable continue to attend Police Performance Oversight Group (PPOG) meetings with His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to present their improvement plan.

The update also included the PCC's precept commitments, and successes and improvements for Lincolnshire Police.

Complaints Position Statement

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on complaints made against the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire between 17 May and 31 August 2025. The report detailed the procedures in place for dealing with complaints, in accordance with The Elected Local Policing Bodies (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012.

According to the report, one complaint had been made against the Police and Crime Commissioner during the reporting period, and was being processed by the Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Two complaints reported at the previous meeting were being handled within the Informal Resolution Procedure.

Outcome of Recruitment to the Police and Crime Panel

The panel was scheduled to receive a report advising on the outcomes of the recent recruitment process for additional co-opted independent members. The report noted that earlier in the year, the panel formed a working group to develop and deliver a skills audit of panel members to help develop and grow the panel, and to support the delivery of the balanced appointment objective. The findings of the audit informed the panel's decision to recruit additional Independent Co-opted Members to the Panel.

The report stated that a recruitment exercise was undertaken by a Task Group appointed by the Panel for this purpose, and that applications received were reviewed and shortlisted by the Task Group, with a small pool of candidates invited to interview. Interviews took place on 21 August 2025 and consisted of a standard set of questions to test each candidate's suitability and competency against the key skills, knowledge and experience required for the position.

The panel was asked to consider the Task Group's recommended candidate for appointment as an additional Independent Co-Opted Member, and to note that any agreements of the Panel on this matter are subject to approval by the Secretary of State.

Work Programme

The panel was scheduled to review its work programme and training and development programme, as well as outline scrutiny framework proposals.

The work programme enables the Panel to plan and focus on how it will effectively support and provide challenge to the Commissioner. The Panel is required to meet a minimum of four times a year, and there are a number of tasks that the Panel must undertake, including:

• Reviewing and making recommendations on the draft Police and Crime Plan (and all variations to it)
• Reviewing and making recommendations on the draft Precept¹
• Reviewing and making recommendations on the Commissioner's Annual Report
• Holding Confirmation Hearings for the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Finance Officer of the Commissioner's Office, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (if appointed), and the Chief Constable.

Appendix B of the Work Programme Report sets out the proposal for an outline scrutiny framework for consideration by the Panel. This includes potential for the development of subcommittees and task and finish groups to support the work of the Panel and undertake in-depth reviews of specific aspects of the Police and Crime Commissioner's activity.