The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel met on 25 September 2025 at County Hall, Matlock. The agenda included updates on neighbourhood policing, roads policing, and the HMICFRS PEEL¹ report, as well as responses to questions from panel members. The panel was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of previous meetings and hear announcements from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Neighbourhood Policing Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the Police and Crime Commissioner's strategic priority of 'Neighbourhood Policing'. The report summarised ongoing initiatives, activities, and key performance indicators related to pertinent crime types. A detailed Public Assurance Meeting (PAM) report produced by Derbyshire Constabulary was included as an appendix.

According to the report pack, in a public consultation in Autumn 2024, residents identified neighbourhood policing as their third highest concern.

The report pack also noted that in January 2025, the government confirmed an additional £100 million investment into neighbourhood policing, supplementing the £100 million announced in late 2024. Derbyshire Constabulary's confirmed allocation for the 2025-26 financial year is £2.8 million, which commenced on 1 April 2025. This funding has supported the recruitment of 35 new officers, comprising 31 Police Constables and 4 Sergeants, and cover associated costs including uniforms, training, IT hardware, and infrastructure such as additional police vehicles and equipment.

The government has launched a comprehensive strategy to transform neighbourhood policing as part of its Safer Streets Mission. The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG) outlines what communities can expect from their local policing teams, with a performance framework designed to ensure delivery against five key pillars. This includes increased visibility, community engagement, and accountability in policing.

HMICFRS PEEL Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the role and remit of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), including its inspection framework and relevance to Derbyshire Constabulary in respect of the Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) programme.

The report pack summarised the findings of the most recent PEEL inspection and outlined the anticipated timeline for future inspection activity. It also provided a detailed overview of current Areas For Improvement (AFIs), progress made, and expected workstream completion timelines prior to the next inspection.

According to the report pack, in the 2023-25 PEEL inspection (published in May 2024), Derbyshire Constabulary was found to be making progress since their former PEEL inspection in 2022. HM Inspector Roy Wilsher stated:

I am pleased with how the constabulary responded. It has addressed many of the areas for improvement in our previous report. I also recognise that the scale of change needed means that some improvements will need more time to achieve.

The next full PEEL inspection is expected to be published in late 2026, with interim thematic assessments continuing throughout 2025-26.

Roads Policing Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the structure, operations, and strategic activity of the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) within Derbyshire Constabulary. The report pack highlighted recent enforcement outcomes, partnership activity, and public engagement initiatives, and outlined the PCC's assurance and oversight mechanisms in relation to roads policing.

The RPU continues to support the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) Road Safety Campaigns, including:

• Fatal Four (April) Criminal use of the road
• 2Wheel Operation (June) Motorcycle safety
• Op Spotlight (July & September) Vehicle stop sites and young drivers
• RoadPeace (August) National Roads Victim Month
• Op Dark Night (October) Pedestrians & horses
• Op Drive Insured (November)
• Op Limit (December) Drink driving
• Op Tramline Ongoing throughout the year, targeting dangerous driver behaviour in partnership with National Highways

The department uses data forecasting to inform patrol strategies, exemplified by Operation Cruiser, which targets high-risk roads in the High Peak and Dales.

Responses to Member Questions

The panel was scheduled to receive responses to eight questions submitted by panel members in advance of the meeting. The questions covered a range of topics, including:

• Antisemitic hate crime in Derbyshire since 7 October 2023
• The West Midlands Police trial of an AI-powered camera to detect 'ghost' or doctored number plates
• Media coverage of people feeling unsafe in Derby
• The proposed knife amnesty box being placed in the Derby City Council House
• The Stenson Road murder enquiry
• Council supervised CCTV in Derby City
• Reports of men carrying machetes and other sharp bladed instruments
• The Multi-Agency Gangs Team established in 2008/2009