To receive an update on SCEP.
Minutes:
The committee received a presentation from the Safer Cheshire East Partnership (SCEP), a statutory function governed by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which aims to bring partners together to ensure that Cheshire East remains a safe place to live, work and visit. Representatives from the Local Authority, Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Probation, Youth Offending Team, Health and Voluntary Sector all work together as part of the SCEP which is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire.
The committee were informed that the SCEP operates by using partners data, statistics and intelligence to inform the Community Safety priorities, issues, risks, emerging threats and identifies factors, known as the Strategic Intelligence Assessment (SIA). The data aids understanding about crime and disorder issues, explores further threats and opportunities and considers where a community safety partnership can make the most difference in the community. The SIA informs a Partnership Plan which has indicators to identify root causes, areas of risk and identify challenges for the next 12 months. In addition it was noted that the local authority has a constitutional duty to produce a plan to reduce crime and disorder.
Reviewed annually, the SIA information includes: Overall Crime data, Adults/Children at Risk, Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse, Serious and Organised Crime, Violence with injury, Hate Crime, Environmental Crime, ASB, Cyber Crime, Fire Safety, Road Safety. By identifying intelligence, this allows the SCEP to have an understanding of areas of risk and challenge for Cheshire Constabulary.
Members were informed that the SCEP meets quarterly with wide representation of senior partners at a strategic level. Current priorities regarding safeguarding and police matters were discussed with the committee, along with how SCEP priorities link and work alongside the priorities of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Representatives from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service informed the committee of their Risk Management Plan, which spans over 4 years and highlights areas of improvements in operational response. In addition, the service has community engagement initiatives which includes supporting all Cheshire East Schools with having the opportunity to visit the facilities at Safety Central.
It was highlighted to the committee that the SCEP works closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, with priorities of the SCEP being aligned to the Strategic Policing Requirements set by the PCC’s Office. Key projects supported by SCEP were also discussed with the committee, including training relating to Internet Scams and Taxi Driver Safeguarding,
The item was opened up for questions and discussions that included:
- SCEP Funding
- Road safety and mobile Smiley SIDs
- Implementation of 20 mph areas
- PCSO restructuring and local PC resources
- Activities to reduce anti-social behaviour
- Safeguarding training for Taxi Drivers
- Police resources at emergency operations
It was agreed that further information would be provided to members outside of the meeting in relation to;
- The collection and analysis of data in relation to victim satisfaction surveys undertaken by Cheshire Constabulary
- Illegal sales of vapes - what is being done regarding underage sales and strength of vapes? What involvement do Trading Standards have?
- What percentage of taxi drivers operating in Cheshire East are registered with Cheshire East Council?
The Chair highlighted several areas where further discussion would be welcomed next time the SCEP provide an update, these included,
- Modern Day Slavery is occurring in different types of businesses, do we monitor this and the types of business most likely to be involved?
- Why are crime statistics down? What has SCEP done to impact the reduction in crime?
- How does the SCEP board run their agenda? Is it Police or Council led? How is it time managed?
- What are the barriers for the implementation of acoustic speed cameras?
Following the conclusion of the committee meeting, members received a tour of the facilities of Safety Central.
RESOLVED:
That the presentation and update provided be received and noted.
Supporting documents: